If you have guppies in your aquarium, you probably want to keep them happy and healthy. But did you know that choosing the right tank mates can make all the difference?
Picking fish that get along well with guppies helps create a peaceful environment and reduces stress for your little swimmers. You’ll discover the best guppy compatible fish species that can share your tank without causing trouble. Keep reading to find out how to build a vibrant, balanced community that your guppies will love.
Credit: jungleaquatics.com
Why Choose Guppy Tank Mates
Guppies are small, peaceful fish that live well with others. Choosing the right tank mates helps keep your guppies safe and happy.
Good tank mates share similar water needs and calm behavior. This balance creates a healthy aquarium environment.
Behavior Traits Of Guppies
Guppies are friendly and active swimmers. They like to explore but do not bother other fish.
They do best with other peaceful fish that do not nip fins or chase them.
- Non-aggressive and social
- Small and fast swimmers
- Do not tolerate fin-nippers
- Prefer calm tank mates
Tank Size And Environment Needs
Guppies need a tank of at least 10 gallons. A bigger tank allows more space for all fish.
They like clean water with stable temperature and pH. Plants and hiding spots help reduce stress.
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Water temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH range: 6.8 to 7.8
- Include plants and shelters
Small Peaceful Fish
Small peaceful fish add calm and color to community aquariums. They live well with other gentle species.
These fish need safe spaces and mild water conditions. They are perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are bright and small fish. Their blue and red stripes shine in planted tanks. They swim in groups and are very peaceful.
- Size: About 1.5 inches
- Temperature: 70-81°F (21-27°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Diet: Flakes, small live or frozen foods
- Behavior: Shoaling, calm, non-aggressive
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are bottom dwellers. They clean the tank floor by eating leftover food. They like to be in groups and stay peaceful with other fish.
| Feature | Description |
| Size | 2 to 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.8 |
| Diet | Sinking pellets, flakes, and live foods |
| Behavior | Peaceful, social, bottom dweller |
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras have a shiny copper body with a black triangular patch. They are calm fish that prefer swimming in schools. They add beauty and balance to community tanks.
Harlequin Rasbora Care Tips:
- Keep groups of at least six for comfort.
- Provide plants and open swimming areas.
- Feed a mix of flakes and live foods.
- Maintain water temperature between 72 and 79°F.
Livebearers That Get Along
Guppies are peaceful fish that live well with other livebearers. They enjoy calm tank mates that share similar water needs.
Choosing the right companions helps keep your aquarium healthy and lively. Here are some popular livebearers that get along with guppies.
Platies
Platies are colorful and peaceful fish. They thrive in the same water conditions as guppies. Both species enjoy a community tank.
- Platies grow to about 2.5 inches long.
- They come in many colors and patterns.
- Platies eat flakes, pellets, and live foods.
- They are easy to care for and breed.
Mollies
Mollies are hardy fish that live well with guppies. They like slightly salty water but can adapt to freshwater tanks.
| Feature | Details |
| Size | 3 to 4 inches |
| Temperament | Peaceful and social |
| Water Type | Fresh or brackish |
| Diet | Omnivore, eats algae and flakes |
Swordtails
Swordtails are active fish with a distinctive tail shape. They mix well with guppies and other gentle fish.
| Care Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Provide plants | Offers hiding spots and comfort |
| Keep males few | Prevents aggression during breeding |
| Feed varied diet | Supports health and color |
Credit: buyguppy.com
Bottom Dwellers For Guppy Tanks
Guppies are lively fish that live mostly near the top of the tank. Adding bottom dwellers helps keep the tank clean and balanced. These fish stay near the bottom and do not bother guppies.
Bottom dwellers eat leftover food and algae. They also add variety and interest to your aquarium. It is important to choose species that get along well with guppies.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus catfish are small and peaceful algae eaters. They help keep the tank glass clean. These fish prefer to live in groups of at least three.
They do well in tanks with guppies because they are gentle and shy. Otocinclus need plenty of plants and hiding spots. They thrive in well-oxygenated water with stable temperatures.
- Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
- Diet: Algae and biofilm
- Water: 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH 6.8-7.5
- Social: Keep in groups of 3 or more
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches look like small eels and are very active at night. They like to hide during the day under plants or decorations. These fish enjoy burrowing in soft sand.
They are peaceful and do not bother guppies. Kuhli loaches help clean leftover food from the substrate. They prefer calm water and gentle tank mates.
- Size: About 4 inches (10 cm)
- Diet: Small invertebrates and leftover food
- Water: 75-86°F (24-30°C), pH 5.5-7.0
- Substrate: Soft sand for burrowing
- Social: Best kept in groups of 3 or more
Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos are small armored catfish with bristles on their nose. They are good algae eaters and scavengers. These fish are peaceful and stay mostly at the bottom.
They do well with guppies because they are not aggressive. Bristlenose plecos need hiding places like caves or driftwood. They grow to a moderate size but stay smaller than other plecos.
- Size: Up to 5 inches (13 cm)
- Diet: Algae, vegetables, and sinking pellets
- Water: 73-81°F (23-27°C), pH 6.5-7.5
- Habitat: Provide caves and hiding spots
Shrimp And Snails As Tank Mates
Choosing the right tank mates for guppies is important for a healthy aquarium. Shrimp and snails can live peacefully with guppies. They help keep the tank clean and add variety.
Shrimp and snails are gentle and do not harm guppies. They share similar water needs and temperatures. This makes them good companions in a community tank.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are small, colorful, and peaceful. They eat leftover food and algae. Their bright red color adds beauty to the tank.
These shrimp hide well among plants. Guppies usually leave them alone. Cherry shrimp help keep the tank clean by eating detritus.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Water temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
- pH range: 6.5-8.0
- Needs hiding places
Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are excellent algae eaters. They have hard shells and are peaceful. Guppies do not bother them because they move slowly.
These snails do not reproduce in freshwater. This helps control their population. They clean tank glass and decorations well.
- Size: About 1 inch
- Water temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH range: 7.0-8.5
- Needs calcium for shell health
Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are larger and colorful. They are peaceful and slow-moving tank mates. They eat algae, dead plants, and leftover food.
These snails like hiding spots. Guppies do not bother them. Mystery snails help keep the aquarium clean and look nice.
- Size: 2 to 3 inches
- Water temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- pH range: 7.0-8.0
- Needs calcium for strong shells
Credit: www.completekoi.com
Fish To Avoid With Guppies
Guppies are peaceful and small fish, making them vulnerable to certain species. It’s important to choose tank mates that coexist well with guppies.
Some fish species are not suitable companions for guppies due to their aggressive nature or size. Below are groups of fish to avoid keeping with guppies.
Aggressive Species
Aggressive fish can harm guppies by chasing or attacking them. These species can stress guppies, affecting their health and lifespan.
- Betta fish often fight with guppies.
- Tiger barbs can be aggressive and should be avoided.
- Redtail sharks may also show aggression towards guppies.
Large Predators
Large predators can see guppies as food. It’s crucial to avoid placing guppies with larger fish that could eat them.
| Species | Reason to Avoid |
| Oscars | They are large and may eat guppies. |
| Cichlids | Known to be predatory and aggressive. |
| Arowanas | Too large and will consider guppies as prey. |
Fin Nippers
Fin nippers can damage the delicate fins of guppies, leading to stress and infection. Avoid these fin-nipping species to maintain a peaceful tank environment.
Common fin nippers include:
- Serpae Tetras
- Barbs
- Some species of Danios
Tips For Introducing New Tank Mates
Guppies are friendly fish that enjoy company. Adding new fish can be exciting, but it needs care.
Choosing the right tank mates is important. Make sure they are compatible with guppies.
Quarantine Procedures
Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank. This helps prevent diseases.
Keep them in a separate tank for two weeks. Watch for any signs of illness.
- Check for spots or unusual behavior
- Maintain clean water in the quarantine tank
- Feed them a healthy diet
Monitoring Behavior
Observe how the new fish interact with the guppies. Peaceful coexistence is key.
Look for chasing or nipping. These are signs of stress or aggression.
- Ensure there are hiding places for shy fish
- Separate aggressive fish if needed
- Provide enough space for all fish
Adjusting Tank Conditions
Make sure the tank conditions suit all fish species. Check water temperature and pH levels.
Adjust lighting and filtration as needed. A balanced environment is vital.
- Maintain a stable temperature around 75°F
- Keep pH levels between 6.8 and 7.8
- Change water regularly to keep it clean
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fish Species Are Compatible With Guppies?
Peaceful fish like neon tetras, mollies, and platies are compatible with guppies. They thrive in similar water conditions and have gentle temperaments, making them ideal tank mates.
Can Guppies Live With Cichlids?
Most cichlids are aggressive and not suitable for guppies. However, small, peaceful dwarf cichlids may coexist, but caution is advised to prevent stress or harm to guppies.
Are Guppies Compatible With Betta Fish?
Guppies and bettas can coexist in larger tanks, but bettas may attack guppies due to fin nipping. Monitor their behavior closely to ensure peaceful interaction.
Which Fish Can Share A Tank With Guppies?
Fish like Corydoras catfish, otocinclus, and harlequin rasboras share tanks well with guppies. They have peaceful temperaments and similar water needs, promoting harmony.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fish for your guppy tank helps keep peace and health. Many species share similar water needs and gentle behavior. Small tetras, mollies, and platies often do well with guppies. Always watch how fish interact to avoid stress or fighting.
A happy tank means happy fish. Keep learning about each species before adding them. This care creates a balanced and colorful aquarium. Enjoy your lively, thriving fish community every day.