Fancy Guppy or Millions Fish


Scientific Name(s): Lebistes reticulatas

Synonyms: Acanthophacelus guppii , Acanthophacelus reticulatus, Girardinus guppii, Girardinus reticulatus, Haridichthys reticulatus, Heterandria guppyi, Lebistes poecilioides, Lebistes poeciloides, Poecilia reticulata, Poecilia reticulate, Poecilia reticulatus, Poecilioides reticulatus

Common Name(s): Guppy, Fancy Tail Guppy, Millions Fish, Rainbow Fish

Origin: South Central America and northern South America.

Family: Poecilidae

Species Type: Livebearer

Maximum Size: Females up to 2.5" (6 cm) / Males To 2” (5 cm)

Life Span: 1.5 to 3 years

Natural Habitat: Slow moving warm freshwater streams & pools, edges & backwaters of rivers

Diet: Omnivorous. Not a fussy eater.

Temperature: 72° to 76° F for adults. Fry should be raised at a temperature of 78° - 80° F for the first 6-12 weeks.

PH: 7.0 to 8.5

Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons for a trio.

Tank Region: Middle To Top. The guppy is a surface feeder, hence its upturned mouth.

Temperament: Peaceful and energetic.

Possible Tank Mates: Best suited to a species tank. However, it is compatible with other peaceful species such as other livebearers, small tetras, rasboras and corydoras catfish. The male is a slower swimmer due to the large colorful tail. Fin-nipping species such as barbs and serpae tetras should be avoided.

Filtration and Setup: An inside box filter powered by an air pump is all that is necessary for biological and mechanical filtration and aeration for a 10 gallon tank.

Coloration: Endless colors, patterns, and tail shapes.

Breeding: A male, a female and a viola. These fish do not need anything special to stimulate breeding. Females mature at around 3 months of age, while males typically mature at 7 - 8 weeks.It is recommended guppies are kept at a ratio of one male to three females. Males may harass unwilling mates to exhaustion, or even death. Multiple females helps to disperse the male's amorous attention. Guppies are voraciously cannibalistic to their fry. The female should be removed to a spawning tank prior to birthing, or placed in a breeding chamber with an exit for thr fry through which she cannot pass. A spawning tank should contain a large amount of a fine leaved plant, such as java moss or hornwort, or with a spawning mop to provide protrection from their mother.