Red Platinum Guppy (Male)

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) originated in South America, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Barbados, and Guyana.  More recently, they’ve also been introduced to most other countries around the world in an attempt to control mosquito breeding. Guppies are a peaceful and hardy fish that can add color to your aquarium.

Behavior

Guppies are peaceful fish that like to be kept in groups of 2 or 3 females to each male. They’re active swimmers and pretty much move around all the time.  You’ll often see the males chasing the females trying to impress them by wiggling their fins. If your fish are constantly hiding, it could be an indication that they are stressed or ill.

Tank Conditions

The tank should be densely planted and include floating species which will help diffuse bright lighting.  Young and old guppies enjoy concealing themselves amongst plants and decorations .Live plants such as java moss, ferns and hornwort are dense and fast-growing, and therefore make great hiding spots for young fish.

Ideal water temperature is 22⁰C – 30⁰C, they are able to tolerate a STABLE pH between 5.5 – 8.5, best is around 7.0 – 7.2. Above a pH of 8.5, ammonia toxicity can be fatal to guppies.

Compatibility

Guppies can be kept with other peaceful community fish such as Mollies, Platies, Gouramis, Corydoras and peaceful tetras. Almost all livebearers such as mollies and swordtails can make ideal tank mates for them too.  You should avoid housing them with larger aggressive species, especially if they’re likely to make a meal of them. Keep them away from species such as Red Tailed Sharks, Barbs and aggressive Tetras. They will nip at their fins.  If you want to keep them with other non-fish animals, you could house them with Ghost Shrimp.

Feeding

Guppies are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They are not fussy eaters and will eat whatever you give them, including mosquito larvae.  Flake, green flake, micropellets, and small frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae and cyclops are common foods. Microworm is also a particular favourite. Guppies may nibble at some delicate fine-leaved plants, although damage should not be that noticeable, particularly if fast growing plant species are chosen.

Care

Guppies are very hardy fish; however their long tails can make them prone to fungal infections.  Ich (ick) is another common disease.  They are also prone to fin rot where the tail looks likes it’s torn.

Ich Treatment  White spot treatment and Fungus treatment can all be found at Rebel Pets.
Click for Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets.