All you need to know about Guppies

Guppies are one of the most widely kept freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. These colourful, hardy fish are a pleasure to keep, whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned aquarist. Famous for their stunning colours, lively nature, and low-maintenance requirements, guppies have captured the hearts of fish enthusiasts everywhere.

Origins and Natural Habitat

Guppies originated from the tropical, freshwater environments of South America, specifically Brazil, Venezuela, and Trinidad. In nature, guppies usually inhabit slow-moving streams, rivers, and ponds that have dense growth. Their adaptability has allowed them to survive in different settings, which is why they have become so widespread all over the world.

Types of Guppies

Guppies come in hundreds of varieties due to years of selective breeding. Some of the most popular types are fancy guppies, endlers guppies, and show guppies. All these types come in varied shapes of tails, colour patterns, and finnage. Ranging from the stunning mosaic tail to the graceful fan tail, guppies are pieces of art.

Guppy Tank Setup

Installing a guppy tank is easy. A 10- to 20-gallon tank will work best for a small number. Guppies like to live in a planted tank with steady water conditions. They prefer to live at temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C and will need a pH range of 6.8 to 7.8. They need clean water and a low-flow filter to stay healthy and happy.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Guppies are omnivores and prefer both plant and protein foods. A well-balanced diet can involve flake food of high quality. Guppies should be fed small quantities twice daily in order not to overfeed and contaminate the water.

Breeding Guppies

One of the most interesting features of guppies is their breeding habits. Guppies are livebearers and give birth to free-swimming fry instead of eggs. Breeding is practically guaranteed if male and female guppies are kept together. Female guppies will produce 20-100 fry per month, so it's wise to have a breeding or nursery tank on hand if you wish to safely raise the young.

Guppy Health and Common Problems

Although guppies are hardy fish, they will get sick if their environment is not properly cared for. Some of the common problems are fin rot, ich, and swim bladder issues. Regular water changes, a proper diet, and quarantining new fish will prevent disease. Daily observation of your guppies will also enable you to spot any problems early.

Tank Mates for Guppies

Guppies are gentle and prefer to be with other non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates are neon tetras, cory catfish, mollies, and snails. Guppies should not be kept with fin-nipping fish such as tiger barbs or very aggressive species since this will cause stress and injury.

Lifespan and Care Tips

With good care, guppies have a lifespan of 2-3 years. For a healthy and long lifespan, keep clean water, serve a diversified diet, and avoid overcrowding. A peaceful situation will make your guppies bright and energetic for years to come.

Are guppies a good fish?

Guppies are more than just pretty fish, they’re fascinating, social, and endlessly entertaining. If you’re thinking about starting a community tank or want to experience the joys of fishkeeping, guppies are the perfect place to start. With the right care and environment, these little fish will flourish and bring charm to any aquarium.


At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or find us at our nearest out spot.

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.