Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Least Concern Brackish

Max Length

6.0 cm

Max Weight

0.002 kg

Color

Males display highly variable iridescent …

Family

Poeciliidae

About

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.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	6.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.002 kg

Coloration

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.

Habitat & Distribution

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.

Water Type

Brackish

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Guppy is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Not consumed — a tiny ornamental livebearer prized by hobbyists for its dazzling color variations and ease of breeding in the aquarium.

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Peaceful

Min Tank Size

38 liters

Temperature

22-28

pH Range

6.8-7.8

Check aquarium compatibility for Guppy with other fish species.

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Taxonomy

Order	Cyprinodontiformes (Live-bearers and killifish)
Family	Poeciliidae (Livebearers)
Species	Poecilia reticulata

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Guppy
Spanish	Guppy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Guppy?

Not consumed — a tiny ornamental livebearer prized by hobbyists for its dazzling color variations and ease of breeding in the aquarium.

How big does Guppy get?

Guppy can grow up to 6.0 cm long and weigh 0.002 kg.

Is Guppy good for aquariums?

Guppy has a easy care level, a peaceful temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 38 liters.

Where is Guppy found?

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 inhabited continent for mosquito control. 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.

Is Guppy endangered?

The conservation status of Guppy is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Guppy belong to?

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) belongs to the family Poeciliidae (Livebearers) in the order Cyprinodontiformes (Live-bearers and killifish).