Guppy Fish Care Sheet

• Guppies have been domesticated for decades, and come in hundreds of color varieties. 
• This fish thrives in a community, so keep many guppies in the same habitat. 
• You can also keep guppies with other types of fish, including small rainbowfish, swordtails, and less-aggressive tetras. 

Unless you go with an all-male tank, your guppy population is likely to grow. Around 10 gallons is the minimum tank size that will accommodate several pairs of adults, as well as babies that may grow up in the tank. Since guppies can leap up to seven times their body length, secure aquariums with a fitted lid or a canopy and keep temperatures at 72–82 F.  

If possible, go with the largest habitat you can get to avoid overcrowding, especially if you keep multiple fish inside. Overcrowding a fish tank can cause stress, and in some cases spread disease.  

Keep a filtration system to break down fish waste, remove toxins, and add oxygen to the water. Use a water heater to make sure the tank’s water maintains an ideal temperature range. 

Guppies work well in groups and thrive in a community with guppies of the same species. You can keep groups of guppies together and you can also keep guppies in the same tank as other types of fish, including swordtails, mollies, and cory catfish. 

Mixed-gender guppies kept in the same tank will reproduce and have live young. Set up a tank with all males if you don’t want baby guppies. If you get female guppies, there’s a good chance some are already pregnant. so stick with all males if you don’t want babies. In a mixed-gender tank, a ratio of one male to two or three females works best. 

Change the water volume anywhere from 10–25% every two to four weeks. You may need to change it more often, if it’s needed, depending on the water quality. The new water should be the same temperature as the existing tank water. Any time you add water, equipment, or other fish to the tank, test the water quality once a week for two months to ensure levels are within the ideal range. Then move testing to once a month or when fish show signs of stress. 

Checking water quality involves looking at ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. 

Guppies eat various pellets, flakes, and a mixture of freeze-dried and frozen foods. Don’t feed them frozen food; make sure it’s thawed first.  

Guppies should get fed anywhere from one to three times per day.  

Remember that they shouldn’t eat more food than they can eat within 1–2 minutes. If it takes your guppy longer to eat, you might be feeding them too much. 

You’ll know you have a healthy guppy if they have bright coloration and are actively swimming around the tank.  

Problematic signs that warrant attention include: 

• White growth or spots 
• A dip in appetite 
• Any notice of lumps, bumps, or other masses 
• Receding fin edges 
• Not swimming with other guppies regularly, if you have more than one 
• Bloating, with scales flared out rather than staying flat 

Guppies aren’t immune from sickness. Some common illnesses include: 

• Ich, or a parasite infection on freshwater fish 
• Parasites 
• Skin, fungal, bacterial, or oral infections 
• Fin/tail rot 
• Popeye disease 

• An aquarium 

• Fish food 

• Freshwater substrate  

• Decor and live plants  

• Water conditioner  

• Bacteria starter  

• Filter

• Water test kit 

• Full-spectrum lighting  

• Net  

• Thermometer and heater  

• Freshwater salt  

• Aquarium hood/cover  

Are guppy fish easy to care for? 

Guppies are no harder to care for than any other community fish. They’ll thrive when provided an appropriate and stable environment. 

How many guppies should be kept together? 

In a large enough tank you can keep many at least three guppies together In a small tank (around ten gallons) you’ll still want three or four guppies as they are social fish. 

Do guppies need a heater? 

Yes, you should have a heater on your tank. 

What is the lifespan of a guppy? 

With good care, guppies can live up to three years. 

Are guppy fish easy to care for? 

All pets require upkeep. Guppies are great starter pets and an excellent fish for new pet owners. 

How can I tell if my guppy is happy? 

If your guppy swims in schools or with other fish regularly, that’s a good sign of a happy fish. A large appetite also lets you know your fish is happily eating well. 

Click here for a printable PDF version of this care sheet!