What size tank do guppies need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata.
How many guppies in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if guppies are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many guppies |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 4 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 9 |
| 29 gallon | up to 13 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 18 |
| 55 gallon | up to 25 |
| 75 gallon | up to 34 |
| 125 gallon | up to 57 |
Check guppies against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 3. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
- Its long fins are a target. Avoid fin-nippers such as tiger barbs and serpae tetras.
Tank mates for guppies
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Pygmy corydoras
- Platy
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
Poor matches
- Betta: Betta often attacks other fish with long, flowing fins, such as guppy.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Tiger barb: Tiger barb nips fins and guppy has long fins. Avoid this pair.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as guppy.
Can guppies live with...
- bettas
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do guppies need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many guppies should be kept together?
At least 3. Guppies are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can guppies live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 4 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do guppies need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 7–8.2. In most homes that means a heater.
Can guppies live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Betta often attacks other fish with long, flowing fins, such as guppy.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.