Assorted Guppies

Assorted Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) represent one of the most enduring and beloved fish in the freshwater hobby — the extraordinary diversity of colors, fin shapes, and patterns that generations of selective breeding have produced. Males are smaller with vivid coloration and flowing ornamental fins; females are larger, more robust, and plainer but equally important to the social dynamic of a guppy group. Assorted stock provides a colorful mix that showcases the sheer variety this species offers.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Fancy Guppy slow-sinking pellets and Sera Guppy Granules make excellent daily staples — the small pellet size is well suited to guppies' small mouths. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen Daphnia, or Hikari Vibra Bites to enhance fin and body coloration. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. For fry, Sera Micron Fry Food is an ideal first food.

Native to freshwater streams, rivers, and pools across northeast South America — Venezuela, Trinidad, Barbados, and surrounding areas — though introductions have spread the species worldwide. Wild guppies inhabit a wide range of water conditions from clean streams to brackish coastal waters, explaining the captive guppy's extraordinary adaptability. Captive-bred fancy guppies thrive across a very wide range of water parameters.

Keep in groups. We recommend keeping two females for every male — this distributes male attention across multiple females and significantly reduces stress on any individual female. In guppy groups with too many males relative to females, females can be harassed relentlessly, leading to stress, reduced condition, and shortened lifespan. A minimum of six fish — two males and four females — creates a natural, active social group. Compatible with virtually all small, peaceful community fish. Avoid fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs that will shred the flowing tails of male guppies. Guppies are prolific live-bearing fish — a single female can produce 20–60 fry every 4–6 weeks with no special encouragement. In a community aquarium, some fry will survive if dense planting provides cover; in a dedicated breeding setup, yields are much higher. Sera Micron Fry Food is an excellent first food for newborn fry, which can graduate to crushed Hikari Fancy Guppy pellets and baby brine shrimp within a few weeks.

Guppies were first formally described in 1859 and have been kept in aquariums for over 150 years — longer than almost any other ornamental fish. In that time, selective breeding has produced hundreds of recognized strains with names like Moscow, Cobra, Tuxedo, Dragon, and Mosaic — each reflecting a distinct pattern of fin or color genetics. The guppy remains the most widely kept freshwater fish in the world.

Care & Ideal Parameters