Guppy
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| Common name | Guppy |
| Scientific name | Poecilia reticulata |
| Synonyms | Millions fish |
| Size | 2.5" (6cm), males smaller. |
| Origin | Central America to Brazil, although wild populations have established elsewhere. |
| Tank setup | Planted community tank |
| Compatibility | Peaceful, community - do not mix with fin-nippers |
| Temperature | 18-27oC (64-81oF) |
| Water chemistry | Medium hard to very hard, and alkaline - pH 7.0-8.5 |
| Feeding | Omnivorous, small live and frozen foods, flake. |
| Sexing | Males have longer, more colourful finnage and are smaller than females, which tend to be dull coloured.
However, the most definitive feature in males is the gonopodium - a stick-like modified anal fin (used in breeding),
instead of the normal rounded anal fin in females. |
| Breeding | An easily bred and prolific fish. It is advisable to keep 2-3 females per male to reduce stress on
specific females from the male. Around 30 young are normally produced. |
| Comments | The ever-popular guppy is generally a hardy fish which will tolerate a wide range of conditions.
However, many fish found for sale these days are not as hardy as they once were.
The guppy has been bred to produce longer fins and numerous colour varieties. |
