Guppies are one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. They're easy to keep, breed quickly, have beautiful colors, and are a great starter fish. However, guppies aren't compatible with just any aquarium species. That's why, in this blog post, I'll explain how to choose a tankmate for your guppies!
What should you pay attention to when choosing fish for your guppy aquarium?
Guppies are quite clumsy swimmers. They mainly swim at the top of the aquarium and are excellent ditterfish. This means they signal to other fish that it's safe to swim. However, it's important not to choose predatory fish that a guppy can fit in their mouth. Guppies' long tails can also be easily eaten by other fish. Therefore, choose fish that swim in other layers of the aquarium or that aren't known for their aggressive behavior.
Which fish can be kept with guppies?
There are several fish that can live happily with guppies. Consider species that are peaceful and respect the guppies' size. Here's an overview of 25 fish families and their compatibility with guppies:
| Dutch Name | Latin Name | Compatibility with Guppies |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Tetra | Paracheirodon axelrodi | Good - social schools |
| Neon Tetra | Paracheirodon innesi | Good - quiet and peaceful |
| Red Neon Tetra | Paracheirodon simulans | Good - can be used with guppies |
| Red-headed tetra | Hemigrammus bleheri | Good - peaceful and friendly |
| Copper tetra | Hasemania nana | Good - sufficient space required |
| Black neon | Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi | Good - can live well together |
| Guppy | Poecilia reticulata | Excellent - can't miss it 😉 |
| Platy | Xiphophorus maculatus | Excellent - similar needs |
| Swordbearer | Xiphophorus hellerii | Average - can be dominant at times |
| Molly | Poecilia sphenops | Good - friendly and social |
| Ramirezi | Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | Average - can be aggressive but swims in a different layer |
| Cherry Belly Cichlid | Pelvicachromis pulcher | Average - usually peaceful with guppies |
| Apistogramma | Apistogramma species | Average - can be nice, but watch out for aggression |
| Moonfish | Pterophyllum scalare | Unsuitable - can be aggressive at times but can also get along well |
| Siamese Fighting Fish | Betta splendens | Unsuitable - aggressive towards other fish, is a character thing, varies per fish. |
| Goldfish | Carassius auratus | Unsuitable - too large and unequal needs |
| Armored catfish | Corydoras /hoplisoma species | Good - bottom dwellers, safe for guppies |
| Algae eater | Ancistrus species | Good - usually stays out of hiding |
| Glass catfish | Kryptopterus bicirrhis | Good - peaceful and does no harm |
| Sumatra | Puntius tetrazona | Average - may sometimes try to bite |
| Hockey stick | Thayeria boehlkei | Good - peaceful and social |
| Dwarf Pufferfish | Carinotetraodon travancoricus | Unsuitable - often aggressive |
| Otocinclus | Otocinclus species | Good - friendly, helps with algae control |
There are of course many more fish that can live with guppies, but these are the most common and important species to keep in mind.
Guppies as safety fish "ditherfish"
Guppies are perfect ditherfish in your aquarium. Because they swim at the top of everything, they signal that it's a safe environment to swim in. This can be especially helpful for more timid fish, who may need a little more time to settle into their new home. By using guppies as ditherfish, you encourage other fish to venture into open water more often.
Conclusion
Choosing tankmates for your guppies depends on several factors, such as the type of aquarium and the needs of the various fish. Remember, a harmonious combination creates a healthy and beautiful underwater world. Have any questions or concerns? Feel free to contact us; we're happy to help! --- We hope this table is exactly what you were looking for! Please let us know if you need any further adjustments or additions.
