Guppy

Environment

A tank of at least 54 liters is suitable for a small group, ideally with more females than males to distribute attention (minimum 2 to 3 females per male). The guppy prefers rather hard and alkaline water (pH 7 to 8, high GH), between 22 and 28 °C. Dense planting provides hiding spots for fry and softens the light.

Feeding

An opportunistic omnivore, it accepts flakes, pellets, and small live or frozen prey. Add a vegetable portion (spirulina flakes) to balance its diet. Small frequent feedings are better than one large meal.

Health & common diseases

Guppies are susceptible to fin rot (bacterial), recognizable by frayed and whitish fin edges, and white spot disease (ichthyophthirius) which appears as small white cysts on the body. They can also develop fungal infections (whitish fuzz) and internal parasitic infections causing emaciation and lethargic behavior. Overcrowding, poorly maintained water (high nitrites, nitrates), and temperature fluctuations promote these diseases. Good aquarium hygiene, regular water changes (20-30% weekly), and a varied diet strengthen their immune system and prevent most diseases.

Tips & tankmates

The guppy is prolific: a single pair can quickly overpopulate the aquarium, so plan for fry management. Each female can have about twenty fry every 21 days. Avoid fin-nipping tank mates such as certain barbs. Water that is too acidic harms its longevity.

Sources

• Guppy — Wikipédia
• Poecilia reticulata — FishBase