Guppy

Guide Note

Native to Trinidad and parts of Central and South America, guppies are popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Guppies are relatively easy to keep since they do not require a heated tank, are hardy and adaptable to environmental changes, and breed prolifically, even in captivity. Like other fish in the family Poeciliidae, guppies give birth to live young as opposed to laying eggs.

Fast Facts

1. Size: Up to 2.5 inches
2. Require at least a 20 gallon tank
3. Females can give birth every month
4. Males have smaller bodies and much larger tail fins
5. Males have 15 known tail variations
6. Mature guppies will eat newborns
7. Also known as millionfish
8. Generally peaceful, although males may "nip" each other

Guppies have been selectively bred to produce a variety of colors, tail shapes and sizes, resulting in seemingly endless potential combinations. Guppies are named for their tail color, so a guppy with a red body and yellow tail is called a "yellow tail."