Guppy fish is one of the finest aquarium species because of its wonderful color & lovely personality. They are sometimes called million fish and rainbow fish. Million fish is called because it can breed to many and can multiply the number in very short span of time. Rainbow fish is called because it has too many color verities. Guppy was initially discovered in Latin America and gradually introduced in pet trade. It was bred in almost every possible color. Low maintenance cost and beginners friendly behavior of guppy attract many aquarists. Though keeping guppy is not that much difficult, this article will give you a in depth idea of keeping guppy. Knowing basic requirements of this species will allow you to maintain a healthy tank for them.

1. Appearance: The most wonderful features of guppy is its mesmerizing appearance. They are super active and having a lovely tailfins with color. Guppy is having a pointed snout and upturned mouth. Female guppy can grow almost twice compare to male part. Regarding color of guppy, there is a proverb that sky is the limit for their color. There are almost 300 color varieties available. Because of their prolific spawning ratio, it’s not much difficult to create new variation of this fish. Cobra, tuxedo and snakeskin guppies are most popular varieties.

2. Life expectancy: Usually a healthy guppy can survive two-five years. However, life expectancy is greatly depends on the care of tank. Guppy fish which are maintained well are expected to live longer. The other part where they are not maintained well, tend to suffer from disease.

3. Aquarium size: Aquarium size depends on the number of guppies you want to keep in the tank. Ideally 10 guppies can be kept in 20 gallon tank.

4. Water condition: This is pre condition for any species to replicate their natural living in your aquarium. That is not that much difficult for the guppy care. Guppy originated from the warm water of Latin America. They are adaptive to wide range of water temperature. However, they prefer warm water condition. Ideal water temperature stays between 64°F to 84°F and PH level should be kept between 7.5 to 8.0.

5. Feeding: Overfeeding can cause serious health issues to guppy. Feed once or twice a day. Each time feed for two minutes and ensure that no extra food is floating in water. While feeding fry, you may increase the feeding three to five times a day. Guppy is comfortable with wide variety of foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, pellets etc.

6. Tank Mates: The best mates of guppies are the other guppies. They are recommended to keep in group. Guppies behave at their best when they are kept in community. Keep more female guppies than male. It is ideal to keep two female for each one male guppies. Keeping too many male guppies will tend them to fight within them. While selecting tank mates for guppies, avoid species that are aggressive in nature. You can keep some other species also in your guppy tank. You can try following species as guppies mate:

          a. Neon Tetra

          b. Molly

          c. Platy

          d. Gouramis

          e. Ghost Shrimp

7. Breeding: If you can ensure optimal aquarium condition for guppies, they will breed. Use plenty of hiding structure in your tank. Improve water condition by testing temperature and pH level. Keep a separate tank to isolate male and female guppies during pregnancy period. It will increase survival rate of newborn. For successful breeding of guppies, ensure better environmental factors inside the tank.

8. Maintaining Good Health: Following steps are essential for maintaining good health of guppies:

a. Clean your tank at regular interval. Try once a week and change 30-40% water each time. Use vacuum to remove disposed waste from the substrate.

b. During cleaning, withdraw guppies from the tank and keep them in other tank.

c. Clean aquarium will increase the visual observation of your guppies.

d. Observe movement of your guppies and separate sick guppies from the tank immediately.