Species profile
Fancy Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Fancy guppies are highly selected domestic Poecilia reticulata and are less forgiving than the species' old reputation suggests. Stable, mineral-rich water and regular maintenance matter.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–28 °C
pH
7–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
10–20 dKH
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
0.6
Social livebearer. If mixed sexes are kept, use at least two or three females per male to reduce persistent courtship. Adults may eat newborn fry.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Poecilia reticulata
Alternative names
Guppy, Millionfish
Native range
The parent species is native to northern South America and Trinidad; fancy strains are captive-selected and now bred worldwide.
Natural habitat
Wild ancestors occupy varied slow and flowing freshwaters. Domestic fancy strains are best kept in stable planted aquaria with moderate flow and strong routine maintenance.
Diet & feeding
Use quality flake or small pellets with vegetable/algal content plus small frozen/live foods. Avoid chronic overfeeding.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are smaller, brightly coloured and possess a gonopodium; females are larger, deeper-bodied and have a normal fan-shaped anal fin.
Breeding
Livebearer. Females can store sperm and produce repeated broods after mating; fry are fully formed and adults may predate them.