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Guppies are a favorite fish for keepers of all experience levels. What makes them great for beginners is their hardiness and sociability. They’re very active and are not shy, and they are entertaining in a species-only tank. But what if you want to build a community tank around them? What tank mates should you choose? In this article, we will reveal the top 5 best tank mates you can keep with Guppy fish peacefully.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tank Mates for Guppy Fish
There are an overwhelming number of freshwater fish to choose from, so first, we need to note the traits and needs of the Guppy Fish:
- They are a shoaling fish. This means that, while they like to have others of their kind around, the types can be mixed and matched for a variety of colors and patterns.
- Males range in size from 05 to 1.5 inches and females from 1 to 2.5 inches. You’ll want to choose tank mates that aren’t so big that your Guppies can be eaten, but not so small that your Guppies can eat them.
- Guppies such as Blue Tarzan Guppy, Koi Guppy are bold little fish and are not easily bullied. However, they can be bullies themselves, so you’ll want to choose tank mates that will not be intimidated and spend all their time hiding.
- They really like to eat, so you will need to be mindful when feeding so tank mates are not out-competed for food.
- They can tolerate a very wide range of tank and water parameters, so it’s easy to match them with fish with varying needs.
- While Guppies fish frolic and swim all over the tank, they tend to spend most of their time at the top.
Corydoras
Cory catfish are adorable little schooling fish that do best in groups of six or more and are great for beginners.
Some things that make Corydoras great tank mates for Guppies are:
- They’re very peaceful fish that generally mind their own business.
- They are bottom dwellers, so neither fish will compete for space in one part of the tank.
- They are around the same size, so there’s no danger that the Guppies will see them as a snack. Alternatively, Corys would never consider adult Guppies to be food. Except for fry. If you want baby fish of either species to survive, you’ll need to put them in a breeding box or net.
- They mostly come out at night, leaving the tank open for Guppy antics during the day.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are happy little schooling fish that are great for beginners. They’re peaceful and do best in large groups, with a minimum of 8-10 to keep their stress levels low. (There’s bravery in numbers!)
What makes them great tank mates for Guppies is:
- They can live in a wide range of water parameters and fluctuating temperatures.
- They are not territorial.
- Though they tend to stay in the same area of the tank as Guppies, they are not territorial.
- They’re about the same size as Guppies, which is just right.
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal Tetras are brightly colored schooling fish that do best in large groups in planted tanks. Their care is a little harder than some of the other fish on this list, but it is not overly difficult.
What makes them great tank mates for Guppies is:
- They occupy the center of the tank.
- They’re peaceful.
- They enjoy the same tank parameters as Guppies.
- Since they live in larger schools, they are less likely to be afraid of Guppies and hide.
- They’re smaller than adult Guppies, but not so small that they would become snacks.
Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose Plecos are another species that requires a moderate, rather than an easy, level of care. They need a deeper substrate so they can burrow, as well as a more spacious tank to accommodate their larger size of 4-5 inches. A minimum tank size is 30 gallons, with longer being better than taller.
What makes them great tank mates for Guppies is:
- They’re solitary, so you don’t need a group of them.
- They tend to be sedentary during the day.
- They are bottom dwellers and blend in with their surroundings, and don’t compete for swim space.
- They are herbivores, so they don’t compete with Guppies for food.
- They mind their own business and pay little to no attention to tank mates.
Female Betta
Female Bettas are slower-swimming fish that can live peacefully with Guppies. When the Betta fish has a softer temperament, she may integrate herself with the Guppies, and it’s fun to watch them all interact!
What makes them great tank mates for Guppies is:
- They are solitary fish, so you don’t need more than one.
- They are enthusiastic eaters and are less likely to be outcompeted for food than other potential tank mates.
- They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of tank parameters
- They don’t require a lot of tank space.
- They are not shy and are much less likely to hide.
Conclusion
Guppies are one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly freshwater fish, but choosing the right tank mates is essential for building a healthy and peaceful aquarium. The best guppy tank mates, such as Corydoras, Harlequin Rasboras, Cardinal Tetras, Bristlenose Plecos, and even Female Bettas, offer compatibility in size, temperament, and water requirements. By carefully selecting species that complement Guppies’ active yet peaceful nature, you can create a thriving community tank full of color, movement, and harmony. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, mixing Guppies with the right fish ensures a beautiful and stress-free aquarium experience.
Guppy Fish Tank Mates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Guppies live with Goldfish?
Guppies and Goldfish are not ideal tank mates. While both are popular freshwater fish, their care needs are very different. Goldfish are cold-water fish that thrive at temperatures between 65–72°F, while Guppies prefer warmer tropical water between 74–82°F. Goldfish also grow much larger and produce heavy waste, which can quickly stress or harm Guppy fish in the same aquarium. Additionally, Goldfish may nip at Guppies’ flowing tails or even eat smaller Guppy. If you want both species, it’s best to keep them in separate tanks where their specific temperature, diet, and tank requirements can be properly met.
Can Angelfish live with Guppies?
It’s not recommended to keep Angelfish with Guppies. While both species share similar water parameters, Angelfish grow much larger (up to 6 inches) and are known to nip at smaller fish. Guppies’ flowing fins make them an easy target, and guppy fry are almost always eaten by Angelfish. If you want a peaceful guppy community tank, it’s best to avoid pairing them with Angelfish.
Can Guppies live with shrimp?
Yes, Guppies can live with freshwater shrimp such as Neocaridina shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, and Amano Shrimp. They share similar water conditions, and shrimp make excellent cleanup crew members. However, Guppies may eat baby shrimp (shrimplets), so if you plan to breed shrimp, provide plenty of hiding spots with moss, caves, or dense aquatic plants. Adult shrimp usually coexist peacefully with Guppies in a well-planted tank.
