Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and ease of care. When it comes to keeping guppies, many aquarium enthusiasts wonder what other fish they can keep with them. The answer lies in choosing compatible tankmates that share similar water requirements, swimming levels, and temperaments. In this article, we’ll explore the best fish you can keep with guppies and provide valuable insights on how to create a harmonious aquarium community.
Why Compatibility Matters
When introducing new fish to your guppy tank, it’s crucial to consider their compatibility. Incompatible fish can lead to stress, fin nipping, and even aggression. Guppies are generally peaceful, but they can be bullied by more aggressive fish. On the other hand, some fish may not thrive in the same water conditions as guppies. By choosing the right tankmates, you can create a thriving and diverse aquarium ecosystem.
Best Fish to Keep with Guppies
In this section, we’ll explore some of the best fish you can keep with guppies. From small schooling fish to larger community fish, we’ll cover a range of options that are compatible with guppies. Some popular choices include:
- Harlequin Rasboras: These small, peaceful fish are easy to care for and add a pop of color to your tank.
- Zebra Danios: With their active swimming style and vibrant stripes, zebra danios are a great addition to a guppy tank.
- Corydoras Catfish: These small catfish are great for cleaning up food debris and are generally peaceful.
- Neon Tetras: While they require a larger school, neon tetras are a great choice for a guppy tank, adding a splash of color and activity.
In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the specific requirements and considerations for each of these fish, as well as provide tips for creating a harmonious aquarium community.
What Fish Can You Have With Guppies?
Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature. When it comes to keeping guppies, it’s essential to choose tankmates that are compatible with them. In this article, we’ll explore the best fish to keep with guppies and some that you should avoid.
Why Compatibility Matters
Guppies are a peaceful and small fish, and they thrive in a community tank with other fish that have similar temperaments. However, some fish can be aggressive or territorial, which can stress out your guppies and even lead to fin nipping. Fin nipping is a common problem in aquariums where fish are not compatible, and it can be painful and even fatal for your guppies.
The Best Fish to Keep with Guppies
Here are some of the best fish to keep with guppies:
- Zebra Danios: These active and hardy fish are a great match for guppies. They’re easy to care for and can thrive in a community tank.
- Harlequin Rasboras: These small, peaceful fish are a great addition to a guppy tank. They’re easy to care for and can be kept in small schools.
- Neon Tetras: These small, schooling fish are a great match for guppies. They’re easy to care for and can add a lot of visual interest to your tank.
- Platies: These peaceful fish are a great match for guppies. They’re easy to care for and can thrive in a community tank.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows: These hardy and peaceful fish are a great addition to a guppy tank. They’re easy to care for and can thrive in a community tank.
Fish to Avoid Keeping with Guppies
Here are some fish that you should avoid keeping with guppies: (See Also: How Many Carbs Does Goldfish Have)
- Angelfish: These large and aggressive fish can be too much for guppies. They can be territorial and may even eat your guppies.
- Discus: These large and peaceful fish can be too big for a guppy tank. They require a lot of space and can be difficult to care for.
- Barbs: These aggressive and fin-nipping fish can be too much for guppies. They may even eat your guppies or harass them.
- Goldfish: These large and messy fish can be too much for a guppy tank. They require a lot of space and can be difficult to care for.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish can be too big for a guppy tank. They require a lot of space and can be difficult to care for.
How to Choose the Right Tankmates
When choosing tankmates for your guppies, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Size: Make sure the fish you choose are small enough to fit in your tank and won’t outgrow it.
Temperament: Make sure the fish you choose are peaceful and won’t harass or eat your guppies.
Water Requirements: Make sure the fish you choose have similar water requirements to your guppies. This includes temperature, pH, and water hardness.
Diet: Make sure the fish you choose have similar dietary needs to your guppies. This includes what they eat and how often they eat.
Space: Make sure the fish you choose have enough space to swim and thrive in your tank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right tankmates for your guppies is essential for a healthy and thriving aquarium. By considering the factors mentioned above and choosing fish that are compatible with guppies, you can create a harmonious and peaceful community tank. Remember to avoid fish that are aggressive or territorial, and choose fish that have similar water requirements and dietary needs to your guppies. With the right tankmates, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving aquarium for years to come. (See Also: Why Is My Goldfish Sideways)
Recap
Here’s a recap of what we’ve discussed:
- Why compatibility matters when choosing tankmates for guppies.
- The best fish to keep with guppies, including zebra danios, harlequin rasboras, neon tetras, platies, and white cloud mountain minnows.
- Fish to avoid keeping with guppies, including angelfish, discus, barbs, goldfish, and corydoras catfish.
- How to choose the right tankmates for your guppies, including considering size, temperament, water requirements, diet, and space.
We hope this article has been helpful in choosing the right tankmates for your guppies. Remember to always do your research and choose fish that are compatible with guppies to ensure a healthy and thriving aquarium.
Table: Compatibility of Fish with Guppies
| Fish | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Zebra Danios | Compatible |
| Harlequin Rasboras | Compatible |
| Neon Tetras | Compatible |
| Platies | Compatible |
| White Cloud Mountain Minnows | Compatible |
| Angelfish | Incompatible |
| Discus | Incompatible |
| Barbs | Incompatible |
| Goldfish | Incompatible |
| Corydoras Catfish | Incompatible |
References
For more information on keeping guppies and choosing tankmates, we recommend checking out the following resources:
We hope this article has been helpful in choosing the right tankmates for your guppies. Remember to always do your research and choose fish that are compatible with guppies to ensure a healthy and thriving aquarium.
Here are five FAQs related to “What Fish Can You Have With Guppies”:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Keep Other Small Fish with Guppies?
Yes, you can keep other small fish with guppies. In fact, many small fish species can thrive in the same tank as guppies. Some good options include neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, and platies. Just make sure to research the specific needs and compatibility of any new fish before introducing them to your tank. (See Also: Why Does My Cat Like Goldfish Crackers)
Can I Keep Larger Fish with Guppies?
No, it’s generally not recommended to keep larger fish with guppies. Guppies are small and peaceful, and larger fish may see them as prey or harass them. Some larger fish that are safe to keep with guppies include angelfish, discus, and cory catfish. However, it’s still important to research the specific needs and compatibility of any new fish before introducing them to your tank.
Can I Keep Aggressive Fish with Guppies?
No, it’s generally not recommended to keep aggressive fish with guppies. Guppies are peaceful and may be bullied or harassed by more aggressive fish. Some aggressive fish that are not suitable for a tank with guppies include betta fish, tiger barbs, and fin nippers. Instead, look for peaceful fish that are compatible with guppies.
Can I Keep Fish with Different Water Requirements with Guppies?
Yes, you can keep fish with different water requirements with guppies. Guppies are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of water conditions. However, it’s still important to research the specific needs of any new fish and make sure they can coexist with guppies. For example, some fish may require different water temperatures or pH levels.
Can I Keep Fish with Different Swimming Levels with Guppies?
Yes, you can keep fish with different swimming levels with guppies. Guppies are surface-dwellers and can thrive in a tank with other fish that swim at different levels. For example, you could keep guppies with bottom-dwelling fish like cory catfish or mid-water swimmers like neon tetras. Just make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and visual barriers to help all the fish feel comfortable and secure.
