Are you looking for a few interesting, colorful fish to add to your guppy tank? You have come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, you will find our top 10 picks of great guppy tank mates – each chosen based on their compatibility and ease of care.
Deciding which fish to put together in a guppy tank can be stressful.
With so many pet fish available, it’s hard to know which ones are compatible and won’t cause harm or stress to the tank’s inhabitants.
You don’t want too many diverse species, but you want your guppies guppy fish tank to look exciting.
How do you find that perfect balance and ensure your guppies are happy and thriving? Through careful research, we have compiled a list of the best tropical fish that can live harmoniously with guppies in an aquarium.
We’ve hand-selected the ten most attractive and viable tank mates for guppies that will add color and interest while being peaceful cohabitants with your beautiful little guppies.
Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or new to the hobby, this guide will help bring out the very best in everyone’s favorite fancy pet – the guppy!
Can Guppies Live with Other Fish?
Yes, guppies can get along with other fish if they are compatible. The key is to avoid aggressive species and those that like to nip fins or eat smaller fish.
It would help to avoid overcrowding the tank, which can create a stressful environment for all inhabitants.
Also, you should ensure the guppy fish tank is large enough to accommodate the extra fish. We recommend adding 10-20 gallons to the guppy fish aquarium.
Healthy guppies depend on a well-rounded diet of plant pellets, flakes, frozen foods, algae wafers, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Keeping their diets varied helps ensure they have all the nutrients needed for optimal growth!
What Kind of Fish Can You Put with Guppies?
Guppies are peaceful fish that can coexist with many other species, such as tetras, mollies, platys, crystal red shrimp, white cloud mountain minnow, peacock gudgeons, and other easy-to-care-for fish from the Cyprinidae family.
However, it’s essential to remember that guppies are small and should not be kept with larger or aggressive fish.
For example, cichlids like angelfish or Oscar fish can prey on smaller guppies. It’s best to avoid sharks and eels altogether as they can also be dangerous to your guppy fry population and may eat guppy fry.
Regarding water parameters, guppies generally prefer tanks with a water pH between 6-7.5 and temperatures at 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
Before introducing any new fish into the tank, ensure they have similar requirements, so all the inhabitants remain healthy and thrive in their environment! Here are our top 10 picks for attractive guppy tank mates:
TOP 10 Best Guppy Tank Mates
Platy Fish
Platypus fish is an ideal combination. They both live with fish of varying colors and designs that need the same attention. Beyond being compatible, guppy fish may even be kept with many different fish species, like mollusks and swordfish, if required.
Alternatively, keep a pair of plates for beginners to set up their new community aquarium. They are both hardy fish that can easily be saved for beginners.
Gourami Fish
Gourami fish, and especially Honey Gourami, are other fish that can be housed with guppies, although they are more low-maintenance fish than intensive ones. It doesn’t mean they will be 100% compatible tank mates for guppies. You might have guppies cohabiting with honey guacamole.
As a social fish species, gourami thrives in groups. Although enjoying group time, gouramis are somewhat cautious and seek shelter in their tanks.
Swordtail Fish
Swordfish xiphophori helleri is a prevalent fish and would be pretty happy. In addition, the swordtail brightens the tank, making it more orange. The peaceful nature animal is perfect for beginners because of its easy care.
Although the swordtail prefers a similar water environment as guppies, water hardness has little impact on a mate’s breeding ability. Swordtail fish grow up to 5.5 feet taller than guppies. They enjoy the company, however, when they share their aquariums. The minimum tank size is 10 gallons.
Cory Catfish
As a scavenger, the Cory catfish can be friendly to the guppies. This tank cleaner is perfect because of its calm and easy-to-use qualities. Cory catfish are inexpensive fish for beginners without special needs. This low dweller does not overeat.
While these lovely fish prefer hanging out at the bottom, it is also possible to swoop in and find the leftover food. Despite this, they should eat something other than excess food.
Please give them a sink to enhance your diet. As adults, their height reaches about four inches. (The size is the guppie). The minimum tank size is 200 pounds.
Chili Rasbora
The Chili rasbora is a small freshwater aquarium fish native to Southeast Asia. These tranquil fish make good companions. Chili rasbora fish may seem shy, but this is understandable because they are tiny fish of their size. Take them to large classrooms in an aquarium where they can be kept to enjoy the colors.
These aquarium fish are best kept in groups of six or more and prefer soft acidic water. As a reliable partner to the guppy, the chili rasbora requires a tank of at least 20 gallons.
Red Cherry Shrimp
If you do not just consider fish for mates, you should consider Red Cherry Shrimp. They are great additions to freshwater fish tanks and large guppy fish. Tell me the most suitable combination of the two.
First, guppies eat baby cherry shrimp often. Regardless, we recommend introducing shrimp as an additional precaution. These fast animals love exploration and feeding habits in nature.
The whole family should include a variety of vegetables as a source of nutrients. Red Cherry shrimp can breed very quickly and don’t fuss too much. They have a similar tank situation as guppies.
Cardinal Tetra
Tetra fish are fresh waters fish that are usually found on aquarium shelves. Guppy fish can be used in several varieties, such as “lemon tetra, Rosy tetra, penguin tetra,” and “neon tetra. “
However, Cardinal Tetra was chosen for this reason. First, they are peaceful predators and may also be found in small aquariums. This stunning fish is just two inches long, which is not dangerous for guppies.
There’s no violence. This is why the Cardinals are the best tankmates. Like the guppy fish, the tetras are fond of large planted aquariums. Ensure that you have an excellent aquarium cycle.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Pleco recommends a more advanced fishkeeper because of its difficulty. It is one of the best guppy mates in this species. Make sure your tanks have gallons or more of water with the water temperature in the area between 70-79°C.
Adults are 4 inches tall and are therefore not larger than adult guppies. It is not a prolific algae eater but keeps the bottoms of the tanks clean by consuming algae.
The bristle nose Pleco species are herbivore and therefore doesn’t eat your pup. It has a calm mood. If you’d like to place the guppies on the tank, you can find hidden areas to reduce the crowds. You will be asked for temperature control.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasbora is another freshwater fish that is community-friendly, beginner-friendly, and easygoing. Its characteristic is the copper-colored color accented in a triangle patch in its tail. This vibrant fish species shows school behavior, so keep them in groups 8 to 12.
Cardinals are the perfect tankmates for your guppies! Their peaceful and non-confrontational nature is an ideal fit, while their love of heavily planted tank makes them a great addition to any aquarium.
When you put them in small groups, they may get anxious or stressed out. They are good tankmates for gauchos who enjoy solitary life and can also be found with freshwater fish like coral catfishes and cardinals tetras.
Zebra Danio
Danio: Kerri, Zebra Fish, Queen Danio, and Pearl Danio are all compatible with guppies. It was an excellent group of tank mates. It is generally assumed that they have the same water characteristics but do not act aggressively.
We chose the Zebra Danio (sometimes called the Zebrafish). Zebra Danio (Daniorerio) is an easy-to-swim species of large fish that originated in Bangladesh and India. It features long horizontal stripes.
They can reach up to 3 feet in height and are frequently used as dither fish in aquariums. It is suitable for a range of environments and water types. There isn’t much of a need.
What Fish Attack Guppies?
Guppies may have their predators, but with their striking colors and small size, they make a popular fish for many aquarists.
While some guppies can coexist with other fish in an aquarium, they may be at risk from even the most docile tank mates in addition to wild average-sized or larger fish.
The main culprits that attack guppies are Angelfish, Cichlids (such as Larger Discus), Endler’s Livebearers, Arowanas, and many other freshwater fish and larger aquarium breeds such as Oscar fish and Silver Dollars.
These predators are usually more aggressive than peaceful community aquatic organisms like tetras and rasboras. If you desire to keep guppies unharmed, you should avoid these large brutes altogether.
Essential Considerations When Choosing Tank Mates for Guppies
Avoid Keeping Fin-Nipper Fish with Your Guppies :
Predatory fish and fin-nipper species like the Tiger barb should be avoided when keeping guppies. These aggressive fish may nip the fins or tails of guppies and can even kill them.
In addition to avoiding fin-nippers, it is also essential to consider the size of tank mates compared to guppies. If a fish is too large for the aquarium, it may be able to fit its entire body into the guppy’s mouth and cause harm.
The fish should require similar water parameters as guppies.
When guppies are kept there, they require other fish that require the same water conditions, such as temperatures, water pH, and water hardness. It is vital because all fish need different water conditions.
And adequate water will not be suitable for healthy growth and development. This table displays ideal water parameters for guppies.
Introduce New Fish Slowly:
When introducing a new fish to an aquarium, it is crucial to do so slowly. Introducing too many fish at once can cause stress and aggression among other tank mates. It is best to introduce one or two fish at a time and observe the guppies for signs of stress.
With thoughtful consideration, hobbyists can ensure their guppies are safe and happy. Remember to research all potential tank mates thoroughly, as it is vital to ensure they can coexist peacefully in the same aquarium.
Finally, you can also help keep your tank clean by adding algae-eating invertebrates like Amano shrimp, Otocinclus, or Nerite snails. These creatures can help keep the aquarium environment clean and healthy for all its inhabitants.
How Many Guppies Must Be Kept Together?
When it comes to keeping guppies, the most important thing to consider is how many males and females are kept together.
Ideally, a ratio of two or three female guppies to every male guppy should be maintained to ensure that competition for dominance between males is manageable. This will also help lessen the risk of aggression and the spread of disease.
Ultimately, you should keep at most ten guppies per gallon of water when you’re keeping them in a tank.
How Many Guppies Fish Can You Have in a 10-Gallon Tank?
A 10-gallon fish tank is a suitable size for keeping guppies. Generally speaking, keeping no more than 5-6 guppies in such a community tank with an enclosure is recommended.
This allows enough space for the fish to move around freely and helps ensure they get enough oxygen while ensuring that water parameters are stable and not overcrowded.
As with any other aquarium setup, it’s vital to establish regular maintenance schedules and monitor the water quality closely so the fish can stay healthy and happy.
What Fish Can Thrive With Guppies in a 10-Gallon Tank?
Best tankmates for Guppies in a 10-gallon tank: In a 10-gallon tank, you can put the same tank-mates you have in the Guppies into 5-gallon tanks. But if your 10-gallon aquarium contains another schooling fish, you can use it for schooling.
Examples of suitable tankmates for a 10-gallon guppy aquarium include peaceful bottom dwellers such as Corydoras species, kuhli loach, Otocinclus, dwarf loaches, and ghost shrimp.
Mid-dwellers such as White Cloud Mountain minnows or Harlequin Rasboras and surface dwellers like Neon Tetras or Glowlight Tetras can also be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium.
Remember: When selecting tankmates, it is essential to ensure that they require the same water parameters as guppies and are of similar size and non-aggressive.
What Fish Can Guppies Not Live With?
Guppies are a widespread species in the aquarium hobby because they are peaceful and easy to care for. Unfortunately, they cannot coexist peacefully with many other fish.
In particular, if you plan on keeping guppies, avoiding adding angelfish, cichlids, or Endler’s livebearers to your tank is essential. These larger fish may harm guppies due to their aggressive nature or size difference.
When looking at suitable tankmates for guppies, it is best to stick with species that are peaceful and similar in size or smaller than the guppies themselves. Species such as neon tetras and other small schooling fish make excellent tankmates for guppy communities.
Additionally, some catfish like Corydoras can add interest while also helping to keep your tank clean by eating algae and other waste particles from plants and substrate surfaces.
When selecting which fish species will live together in an aquarium environment, harmony should be the primary goal, ensuring that each inhabitant gets along with one another from day one!
Centerpiece Fish for Guppy Tank: Different Guppy Tank Size
Guppy Tank Mates 10 Gallon
When considering what fish to place in a 10-gallon water tank with guppies, it’s important to remember that these small and beautiful fish are relatively peaceful unless kept together in large groups.
They prefer companions who swim around the middle and top levels of the aquarium, such as platyfish, African dwarf frog, mollies, or Cory catfish.
You could also add some shrimp for extra color and filtration benefits. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the tank to allow each species enough space to swim and be healthy!
Guppy Tank Mates 5 Gallon
Guppies are plentiful fish in a 5-gallon tank and make excellent tankmates with other small, peaceful fish. Good mates for guppies include neon tetras, platies, swordtails, mollies, and endless.
Avoid aggressive species like cichlids or larger bottom dwellers that could threaten the guppies.
To ensure optimal water conditions and the health of your aquatic community, keep all levels between pH 6-7, temperature no higher than 80°F (25°C), ammonia 0 ppm (parts per million), nitrite 0 ppm, and nitrate below 30 ppm. Lastly, always perform regular water changes to minimize the risk of diseases!
Guppy Tank Mates 20 Gallon
The best guppy tank mates for a 20-gallon tank are peaceful, non-aggressive small or medium-sized fish such as glowlight tetras, pygmy corydoras, bloodfin tetras, hatchet fish, rummy nose tetras, black phantom tetras, white cloud mountain minnows.
Other suitable candidates include other livebearers (like endlers) and small danios. Watch out for potential fin nippers like tiger barbs, and ensure you keep to the rule of one inch of fish per gallon.
Endler Guppy Tank Mates
Endler Guppies are often kept in tanks with other peaceful species of fish. Some of the best tank mates for Endlers include Otocinclus Catfish, Corydoras Catfish, Ember Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, and Bristlenose Plecos.
As always, research each type of freshwater fish you add to your Endler tank to ensure they are compatible with one another and the required water parameters.
Molly and Guppy Tank Mates
Yes, both mollies and guppies can make great tank mates. They are peaceful fish that can get along in the same community as good tank mates. Mollies prefer soft or brackish water conditions, while guppies prefer more challenging water, but both can coexist in neutral pH levels with a temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
The ideal size tank for combining these two species should be at least 10 gallons and include plenty of plants and hiding places to keep stress levels low. As always, watch for signs of aggression like nipping or chasing so you can separate any bullies if necessary!
Do All Guppies Get Along?
Not necessarily. Understanding that they are social and territorial fish for keeping guppies in the same aquarium is essential.
Generally, males will not get along with other males, while females live in small groups called shoals. To ensure successful cohabitation within an aquarium, only one male should be placed separate breeding tank for every two or three female guppies.
Additionally, a larger tank will give them more room to roam and distance themselves from each other when needed and provide plenty of hiding spots like rocks and plants.
While it can be difficult for different types of guppies to coexist due to their natural territorial behavior, if cared for properly, they can all live peacefully!
Commonly Asked Questions about Best Tank Mates for Guppies (FAQ)
What Big Fish Can Live with Guppies?
The big fish that can live harmoniously with guppies are mollies, platies, African dwarf frogs, swordtails, and barbs. These species are peaceful and relatively small, so that they won’t overpower the guppies. Make sure to get a tank large enough for all the small fish together to swim comfortably, and keep an eye out for any aggressive behavior from the bigger fish like betta fish.
Why Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish is a Good Tank Mate for Guppies?
Dark rainbow fish require the same water conditions as your guppies. Dwarf neon rainbow fish is an easy-to-grow fish in freshwater that grows up to 2ins, so the fish is unlikely to eat them.
Why Could Dwarf Chain Loach Be a Good Tank Mate for Your Guppies?
Usually, Dwarf Loach can be kept with his guppies for similar hydration needs. Dwarf chain loach omnivorously, sucking food into your tank. The Dwarf Loaches have semi-aggressive behavior and can even attack your guppies.
Why Ghost Shrimp is the Best Tank Mate for Your Guppies?
Ghost shrimp require the same water temperatures as your guppies need to be kept together. Ghost shrimp is small. They grow at a maximum of 1.5 inches, which is easy enough when stored in tanks. It is beneficial for small guppy tanks up to 5 gallons.
Why is Honey Gourami the best tank mate for guppies?
Honey courses require the same water quality for your dog to keep both in the same container. Honey gourami is hardy but calm. Suitable for the guppie, especially as a beginner. Honey gourami is small freshwater fish, and you have no chance to eat guppies.
What Makes Sparkling Gourami the Best Tank Mate for Guppies?
Sparkling gourami needs similar water conditions as your guppies need to have the same tank size. Sparkling gouramis are aquatic freshwater fish that grows at a maximum of 1.6 inches in length, so there’s no way these creatures could take up your guppies. Sparkling gourami is a very serene and peaceful freshwater fish too.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guppies make great guppy fish tank mates for various aquatic species. They provide peace and entertainment for any space, and their bright colors will surely enhance the appearance of any freshwater fish tank. Plus, as a schooling fish, guppies offer plenty of opportunities for interaction. The ten species outlined in this post are only the beginning of possible companions. With careful research and consideration, you’ll quickly find more attractive Guppy tank mates to fill your aquarium. The most excellent guppy tank mates are an ideal addition to any aquatic ecosystem!
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