Guppy Tank Mates

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Vicki Smirnova

Vicki Smirnova is a professional writer and editor who adores animals and helps readers get along well with their pets. She has been working in digital media for more than 5 years and has great experience writing content about lifestyle, including pets. Vicki specializes in dog health and nutrition, cat feeding, dog training. She is an aquarium lover and is passionate to write about fish care at home. Also, Vicki headed several websites and worked as a news editor.

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Updated on: 03/09/2021

Guppies are very beautiful, small, viviparous fish. Some people like them very much, others don’t. Guppies are unpretentious, strong fish with beautiful tails. However, guppies are tiny and cannot defend themselves, so other fish often bite them.

@halimqd / FreePik

About Guppies

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also known as millionfish and rainbow fish, is one of the most common types of aquarium fish.  For novice aquarium owners, guppies are a great choice because of their hardiness and low price. Guppi is one of the world’s most widely distributed tropical fish and one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species. It is a member of the family  Poeciliidae and, like almost all American members of the family, is live-bearing. [2]

Like many freshwater fish, guppies exhibit sexual dimorphism. Male guppies are smaller than females and have beautiful, colorful fins. Female guppies are not as bright.

Guppies get along well with other species. Detailed below are some of the best companions in the aquarium for guppies. [1]

It is best to keep the guppies separate and has an independent tank for newborn fish, and then your guppies will be happy.

Best Fish Compatible with Guppies

Guppies get along well with other species. Detailed below are some 15 best tank mates that can live with guppies:

1. Swordtails

swordtails@petguide.com / pinterest

Guppies and swordtails are fully compatible. Experience aquarists shows that swordtails biting the fins of the guppies. Keep small fish with larger relatives in a spacious aquarium with shelters and plants.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 4
  • Temperature range: 22 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 7 — 8

2. Poecilia

poecilia@pinterest.com

Viviparous fish that do not spawn, but immediately produce live offspring. To increase the population of Poecilia, you will need significantly more space in the aquarium — 18 — 20 gallons (75.71 l) — as well as good filtration and aeration of water in the aquarium.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 3
  • Temperature range: 24 — 27°С
  • pH Range: 7,0 — 8,0

3. Mollies

molly@br.pinterest.com

Popular and easy-to-care-for fish that even a novice aquarist can handle. Viviparous mollies are of average size and various colors depending on the species. They are perfect for an aquarium with a non-aggressive population.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 5
  • Temperature range: 25 — 28°С
  • pH Range: 7,5 — 8,2

2. Neons

@9551453-9551453 / Pixabay

Neon is a fish with a similar temperament and size. Guppies and neons will live together in the same aquarium. Remember that neons like soft water.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 3
  • Temperature range: 23 — 25°С
  • pH Range: 5,5 — 5,7

3. Danio

danio fish community fish aquarium@Petr Kuznetsov / Pixabay

Danio and guppy get along well together. Both types are compatible, and character. Active and curious neighbors will find a lot in common, and it is not difficult to keep Danio.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 3
  • Temperature range: 17 25°С
  • pH Range: 6,7 — 7,0

4. Tetras

tetras fish@balzekaitegita-2094846 / Pixabay

Tetras are very peaceful and playful. Tetras live peacefully with guppies, and there are no clashes between them. However, be careful with tetras-congo, as this species bites the fins of smaller fish. There is also a vampire-tetra, a predator, and the worst neighbor for a small fish. 

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 5
  • Temperature range: 24 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,0

5. Botia

@en.wikipedia.org

These fish are compatible with guppies, as they have standard features: resistance to diseases, unpretentiousness, calm disposition, and low body size. These fish get along well with guppies in the aquarium.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 5 — 7
  • Temperature range: 24 — 30°С
  • pH Range: 5,0 — 7,0

6. Rainbows

boesemani rainbowfish for tropical community aquarium@rainbowfish.info

These small, beautiful fish get along well with guppies. Water parameters suitable for rainbows are also ideal for guppies.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 5 — 7
  • Temperature range: 20 — 30°С
  • pH Range: 5,5 — 8,0

7. Lampeye Killifish

lampeye killifish@fishcommunity.tumblr.com / pinterest.com

Fish of this species get along well with guppies, and the character of the fish is harmless. Its peaceful disposition does not prevent fish from being carnivorous.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 4 — 6
  • Temperature range: 24 — 29°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 7,0

8. Acanthophthalmus Kuhlii

acanthophthalmus kuhlii@aquaria.pro

This fish is very similar to a snake. It lives on the bottom. One by one, acanthophthalmus is very shy. These fish are mostly active only at night.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 4
  • Temperature range: 26 — 30°С
  • pH Range: 5,5 — 7,5

9. Cherry Shrimp

@davit85 / FreePik

A small crustacean, Cherry Shrimp reach a size of 1 — 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length. Their coloring is often pinkish-red, and the claws and paws are covered with light spots that form a characteristic pattern. Males and females differ in size — the males are usually larger, thicker and more brightly colored.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per shrimp: 2 — 3
  • Temperature range: 22 — 25°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 8,0

10. Rasbora Fish

rasbora fish@aquaticarts.com

Rasbora is a schooling fish that is best kept in the company of at least 6 others. When kept alone, the fish face serious stress, becoming fearful and nervous. A group of 8 to 10 will feel great in an aquarium with a volume of 20 to 25 gallons (94.64 l).

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 5
  • Temperature range: 23 — 28°С
  • pH Range: 5,0 — 7,0

10. Snails

bright red ramshorn snailsBright Red Ramshorn Snail

Snails are large and must be kept in a closed aquarium without holes; otherwise, the snails can get out of the aquarium, searching for a place to lay their eggs. When kept in an aquarium with a water temperature of 18 to 25 degrees, they can live for 3 to 5 years. It is not recommended to place snails in the same aquarium as active barbs, large cichlids, tetrapods, and botii, as these types of fish can damage snails, eat them or prevent them from getting out into the air to breathe.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per snail: 3 — 5
  • Temperature range: 23 — 25°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 7,8

11. Betta

crowntail betta fish@ivabalk / Pixabay

The Betta fighting fish is one of the most popular and beautiful types of fish. You can keep it starting with a table aquarium with a volume of 1 gallon (3.79 l) per one fish. The presence of aeration in aquariums with such fish is unnecessary; this allows you to use the aquarium without an aeration system. However, a water filtration system is required to keep the water clear.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 1 — 7
  • Temperature range: 24 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,5

12. Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra schooling fish must be kept in a group of 6 to 8, which requires an aquarium with a volume of 10 gallons (37.85 l) or more. When kept in a flock of fish, they are less timid and calmer. Cardinals do best in an aquarium with live plants and bright lighting.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 5
  • Temperature range: 15 — 22°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 7,8

15. Corydoras

@chemmie1976 / Pixabay

These small catfish with a peaceful nature live in the lower layers of water. Most of the time, the fish do not contact, adhering to their lifestyle. The corydoras adapt well to the conditions of detention.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 4 — 5
  • Temperature range: 22 — 25°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,5

16. Barbus

barbs@publicdomainpictures-14 / Pixabay

Barbus are partially compatible with guppies. However, Barbus likes to bite the fins of small fish. It is not difficult to take care of these fish.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 4
  • Temperature range: 20 — 25°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 7,5

17. Gourami

@dlevine / Pixabay

Guppies are also partially compatible with peaceful types of gourami (chocolate, ocellatus). There must be enough space for these two types. Carefully make sure that the water parameters are suitable for both models. 

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 10
  • Temperature range: 25 — 27°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,5

18. Dwarf gourami

dwarf gourami fish@gourami-fish.com

Guppies can live with gourami if two types have enough space in the aquarium. At first, the gourami acts shy and tries to hide. Also, it is easy to care for gourami.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 3 — 4
  • Temperature range: 24 — 28°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,5

19. Cockerel fish

cockerel fish@www.etsy.com

Cockerel fish are famous for their aggressive temperament. If your aquarium has enough space, then guppies can get along with roosters.  There must be a lot of covers. For cohabitation of different species, it is better to choose females — they are less aggressive. The content of the fighting fish has its characteristics.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 5
  • Temperature range: 24 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 7,5

20. Gymnocorymbus

gymnocorymbus@en.wikipedia.org

Gymnocorymbus are mobile fish that live in a flock. This species is partially compatible with small guppies. These fish show aggression towards smaller neighbors if the number of fish in the species pod is less than eight.

  • Care Level: easy
  • Gallons per fish: 2 — 4
  • Temperature range: 22 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 7,5

21. Plecostomus

catfish plecostomus@franksfishing.info

These catfish are aggressive, but they don’t touch little guppies. Catfish may not intentionally swallow a neighbor in the aquarium. In a large aquarium, guppies and catfish can live well.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 40 — 50
  • Temperature range: 22 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,2 — 7,2

READ MORE: Best Freshwater Aquarium Plants

Tank Mates for Guppies to Avoid

naomi tamar / Unsplash

Predators perceive small fish as food. Cohabitation with large and aggressive fish is an exception to the rule. There are cases of keeping them with scalars if the fish have grown together.

1. Angelfish

These two species get along well together until the angelfish has grown. The larger angelfish will probably consider guppies a light snack.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 15 — 20
  • Temperature range: 22 — 26°С
  • pH Range: 6,5 — 7,5

2. Cichlids

Cichlids are usually aggressive, fast, and like to eat small fish. For most cichlids, guppies will be more like food. Besides, cichlids tend to be quite territorial. They allocate a place in the aquarium and call it their own. Guppies can swim into the territory of the cichlid, and it will not end well.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 15 — 25
  • Temperature range: 22 — 27°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 8,0

3. Goldfish

The most recognizable and one of the most popular types of aquarium fish. The size of an adult fish in good condition is about 5 to 6 inches (15.24 cm). Goldfish are considered long-lived among aquarium species and have an average life span of 13-15 years; the maximum recorded life record for a goldfish is 43 years.

  • Care Level: medium
  • Gallons per fish: 16 — 22
  • Temperature range: 18 — 23°С
  • pH Range: 6,0 — 8,0

In general, guppies tend to get along well with different fish if they don’t have a big enough mouth to swallow the guppies. Avoid abundant and aggressive species.

READ MORE: Aquarium Canister Filters Reviews

General rules for Compatibility with Guppies

guppy fish tank matesby Frederica Diamanta / Unsplash

When choosing fish for shared living with guppies in the same aquarium, you need to know some general rules:

  • The aquarium should only have fish with similar temperament and behavior. Male guppies usually have long and luxuriant fins, so those neighbors who can pinch them should not live with them. Guppies are not compatible with aggressive, fast types; otherwise, the stress and physical exhaustion of victims cannot be avoided. [3]
  • The diet and water requirements should also be suitable for all aquarium inhabitants. Check the pH level, hardness, and temperature of the water environment.
  • It is better to keep all the fish in a large tank with enough space for swimming and hiding. One fish requires an average of 50 liters of water.
  • Small bottom-dwelling fish species can be kept with viviparous guppies that rarely swim to the bottom.

Article Sources:

  1. “Guppy – Wikipedia.” From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, 3 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guppy
  2. “Guppy”. Encyclopædia Britannica Online,13 May 2008, britannica.com/animal/guppy
  3. “Influence of Water Velocity on the Display Behavior of Male Guppies, Poecilia Reticulata”—. OUP Academic, 1 Oct. 1996, academic.oup.com/beheco/article/7/3/272/178975

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6 comments

Alan Grayon January 26, 2021

Incredible! We recently bought my daughter a tank and two guppies. (We wanted her to prove that she could look after two before we bought any more). Now that she has actually kept them alive for a few months, we thought it was time to expand. Now we know exactly what to buy thanks to you! (She liked the swordtails and the neons).

Reply

Helenon February 10, 2021

What should we do if we have a tank with guppies and swordtails but the latter have just given birth to a load of wee baby fish? Should we separate them or is it okay to leave them all in there together? We are a bit wary as we know that some fish eat the young…

Reply
    Anastasia Bilohub

    Anastasia Bilohubon February 17, 2021

    It is recommended to separate young fish from all crowd to keep them safe. And also it really depends on your tank size. Each guppy should have at least 1 gallon of space and a single swordtail needs at least 15 gallons. As they prefer being in groups, each additional fish needs roughly 5-6 gallons of water to keep them comfortable. Consider counting your all fishes and the space you have for them. It might be a little crowded with little ones.

    Reply

Jane Rosson March 01, 2021

When my husband bought me my first tank last year, it came with a couple of guppies. I wanted to walk before I could run (or swim), so I kept those guppies in the tank on their own for a while. However, I’m now ready to add a few extra tank mates in there and definitely wanted to invest in fish that my beloved guppies would get along with. Thanks to this article, I now have a bunch of options to choose from! Colour is definitely a big selling point for me too, so I think I’m going to go for guppies and swordtails in one tank, then guppies and mollies in a second for now. That ought to brighten the place up a little! Thanks awfully!

Reply

Tamsinon August 02, 2021

Great article – really helpful for a beginner like me.
I’ve seen a lot of mixed information online about keeping guppies with a betta fish. I have seen males of both species kept together in pet shops, but I don’t know if that ended in disaster. Are there any rules to bear in mind when putting betta fish with male guppies? Are there any varieties of betta that are known to work well with male guppies?
Thank you

Reply
    Anastasia Bilohub

    Anastasia Bilohubon August 09, 2021

    The key to successfully keep bettas and guppies together is space and plants. It is recommended to have a spacious tank that is heavily planted.
    The tank should be at least 10 gallons, with a lot of places to explore.
    Look for bettas with calmer personalities. But still, space and plants are essential. Even if your bettas are calm, they still will chase guppies from time to time. So, in this case, it is better to put guppies in the tank first, as it minimizes the chances of them being chased by bettas.

    Reply
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