Guppy vs Yellow Perch
Poecilia reticulata compared with Perca flavescens
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Guppy | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata | Perca flavescens |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Poeciliidae | Percidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Guppy | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 6.0 cm | 50.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.002 kg | 1.9 kg |
| Color | Males display highly variable iridescent patterns on a gray-olive body; spots, reticulations, and solid patches of red, orange, blue, green, and black; flowing fantail fins often multicolored. | Bright golden-yellow body with 6–8 broad dark olive-green vertical saddle-bars; belly pale yellow to white; paired and anal fins are vivid orange to red; two separate dorsal fins, the first dark-spined. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Guppy | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Brackish | Brackish |
| Depth Range | — | 0-56m |
| Geographic Range | Native to freshwater and slightly brackish streams of northern South America including Venezuela, Trinidad, and Barbados. Tolerates a wide range of salinities; introduced on every … | Native to freshwater and slightly brackish lakes and rivers of central and eastern Canada and the northern United States, including all five Great Lakes. Abundant … |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers, streams, ponds, and drainage ditches of northern South America (Venezuela, Trinidad). Warm, shallow water with dense vegetation (22-28°C). Highly adaptable; introduced worldwide. | Estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Guppy | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 38 L | — |
| Temperature | 22-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.8-7.8 | — |
| Care Level | Easy | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Guppy | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 3/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Guppy
Not consumed — a tiny ornamental livebearer prized by hobbyists for its dazzling color variations and ease of breeding in the aquarium.
Yellow Perch
Sweet, clean white flesh with very low fat and a delicate texture; among the most prized freshwater eating fish in the Great Lakes region. Best pan-fried or sautéed simply in butter.
Species Overview
Guppy
The guppy is one of the most widely distributed tropical fish, found in freshwater habitats across the Americas. Males display vivid colors and elaborate tail patterns to attract females. They are live-bearers, giving birth to free-swimming fry.
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch is a schooling fish found in lakes and slow rivers across North America. Its golden-yellow body with dark vertical bars is unmistakable. Its sweet, firm white flesh makes it one of the finest-tasting freshwater fish.