Guppies are the fish that started the hobby for millions of people — cheap, hardy, endlessly colourful, and famously easy to breed. They thrive in the hard water most UK taps provide and suit a beginner community tank perfectly. The one thing to know upfront: they breed so readily that population control becomes the real challenge.

Here is how to keep them.

Quick facts

• Adult size: 3–6 cm (females larger)
• Tank size: 45–60 litres minimum
• Water: pH 7.0–8.2, hard, 22–28 °C
• Lifespan: 1–3 years
• Temperament: peaceful, active

Tank setup

Guppies love a planted tank with gentle flow and appreciate the hard, alkaline water typical of UK supplies — no need to soften it. Keep a heater at 24–26 °C and cycle the tank first. Modern fancy guppies can be a little less hardy than old strains, so stable water matters.

Feeding and breeding

Feed a varied diet of quality flake, frozen and vegetable foods. As livebearers, females deliver live fry every 3–4 weeks — keep two to three females per male. To manage numbers, keep predatory tank mates or rehome fry. See how to breed guppies.

Tank mates

Great with platies, mollies, corydoras and other peaceful fish. Avoid fin-nippers, which target their flowing tails, and large aggressive fish.

Frequently asked questions

Are guppies good for beginners?

Yes — they are among the hardiest and most colourful beginner fish, thriving in the hard water most UK taps provide. Their main challenge is how quickly they breed.

Do guppies need a heater?

Yes. Guppies are tropical and need stable water of 22–28 °C, so a thermostatic heater is essential in UK homes.

How often do guppies have babies?

Females give birth to live fry roughly every 3–4 weeks and can store sperm to produce several broods from one mating. Population control quickly becomes the main task.

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— Jaqline Smalling, FishForever