Guppies are popular pet fish for many reasons. As you know they’re so colorful and full of personality. As well as being incredibly
These low-maintenance freshwater fish are perfect for first-time pets and first-time fish owners. As easy as it is to care for these wonderful fish, it is important to make sure you know a few key things about them. One of the most important things is how much and how often to feed them.
This Guppy Feeding Guide will tell you when to feed your guppies, what to feed them, and how to feed them. Your guppies will thank you for making sure they are getting just the right amount at just the right time.
How Often Do Guppies Need to Eat?
How often you feed your guppies will depend on their age. Younger guppies need more food to grow quickly. Adult guppies need less food since they are no longer growing. However, as a rule of thumb:
Adult Guppies should be fed once or twice a day. If you feed them more, you can overfeed them, and they can get sick. Guppy fry should be fed three to five times a day. You want to give them smaller amounts of food during each feeding because they are smaller and cannot eat a lot.
How Long Can a Guppy Survive Without Food?
Adult Guppies can survive for up to ten days without being fed. This should not be a regular thing as they will eventually starve. An occasional missed day or two will not hurt them. So, if you have plans to go away for the weekend, feed them well before leaving, and they should be fine.
Guppy Fry, on the other hand, can only survive a few days without food. They are growing and need more food at more frequent intervals than adults. Three days is the max a baby guppy can survive without being fed.
How Much Should You Feed Guppies?
The best way to find out how much to feed your guppies is to read the directions on your guppy food. Sprinkle that amount in the tank and watch your guppies. If they eat it all within 2 minutes without looking bloated, then the amount was probably good.
If they eat it all in around 1 minute, you may need to give them a little more food. If they do not finish the food, then you need to give them less food next time. If they eat all the food and appear to be bloated, then you have given them too much food.
Once you figure out how much to feed your guppies, be as consistent as possible in feeding them. It is always better to feed them a little less instead of a little too much, especially if you have baby guppies in the same tank.
Can You Overfeed Guppies & Guppy Fry?
You can overfeed your guppy fry as well as adult guppies. If your guppies show signs of being bloated, they are being overfed. Another sign of overfeeding is constipation and swim bladder disease.
Signs Of An Overfed Guppy
Guppies have specific dietary requirements that must be met to stay healthy and thrive. Overfeeding your guppies can lead to several health problems, so it is essential to recognize the signs of an overfed guppy. Let’s discuss the common signs of an overfed guppy.
- Bloated Appearance
A bloated appearance is one of the most common signs. An overfed guppy may appear larger than usual, with a swollen belly protruding outward. The bloating may also cause the scales to appear stretched or raised, giving the fish a puffy appearance. If your guppy looks bloated, it may be a sign that it has been overfed.
- Lethargy
Another sign of an overfed guppy is lethargy. An overfed guppy may become sluggish and inactive, spending most of its time resting at the bottom of the tank. This lack of activity can cause concern, as guppies are naturally active fish that should constantly swim around and explore their environment.
- Loss Of Appetite
Interestingly, overfeeding can also lead to a loss of appetite in guppies. An overfed guppy may feel full and not want to eat anything else. If your guppy suddenly stops eating, it may be a sign that it has been overfed. This loss of appetite can also lead to other health problems, as the guppy may not get the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
- Stringy Feces
An overfed guppy may also produce stringy feces that hang from its anus. The excess food is not being digested properly and passes through the fish’s digestive system too quickly. Stringy feces can also be a sign of other health problems, so monitoring your guppy’s feces and taking action if you notice any abnormalities is important.
- Constipation
When your guppy is overfed, then it’s also much more likely they will suffer from constipation. Constipation will present itself, in your guppy not being able to pass stool, as well as noticing poop hanging from their anus.
- Swim Bladder Disease
Lastly, overfeeding your guppy can also result in them suffering from swim bladder disease. If they’re overfed or bloated, this may press on their swim bladder, which in turn will affect their swimming ability.
What To Do If Your Guppy Has Been Overfed
If your guppy has overeaten, the best course of action is to skip feeding them for a couple of days. This will allow their digestion to get back on track. If they still look bloated after a couple of days, you should try feeding them peas or daphnia, to add more fibre to their diet, which will help them to pass stool.
Another critical step is to clean out the water and the tank. Once you have cleaned out the tank and given them a break from food, you can feed them again. Make sure you are feeding them less food. If two minutes of food is too much, feed them for only one minute.
How To Tell When Your Guppy Is Hungry?
As a responsible pet owner, it is vital to ensure that your guppies are receiving the nutrients they need to thrive. One way to do this is by feeding them on a regular schedule. But how do you know when your guppies are hungry? Here are some common signs that your guppy is hungry and what you can do to meet their feeding needs.
- Active Swimming
One of the most common signs that your guppy is hungry is active swimming. Guppies are naturally curious and will often swim up to the water’s surface to investigate any movement they see. If your guppies swim actively and dart around the tank, it might be time to feed them.
- Poking at the Water Surface
Guppies have a keen sense of smell and can detect food particles on the water’s surface. If you notice your guppies repeatedly poking at the water surface with its nose, they may be trying to catch some floating food particles.
- Following Your Finger
One way to test if your guppies are hungry is to place your finger on the aquarium’s glass and see if they follow it. If your guppies swim towards your finger and seem to beg for food, they may be hungry and are looking for a meal.
- Searching for Food in the Gravel
Guppies will often search for food on the substrate of the aquarium. If you notice your guppies poking around in the gravel or sand, it could mean they are looking for food that has fallen to the bottom of the tank.
- Jumping Out of the Water
While less common, some guppies may jump out of the water when they are hungry. This is more likely to occur if the guppies have been underfed or have not received enough food.
Do Guppies Eat Flakes?
Flakes are a popular and convenient food for guppies and provide them with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. However, it’s important to note that guppies also benefit from a varied diet that includes other types of food, such as live or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
How To Choose The Best Flake Food For Guppies?
As mentioned earlier, flake food is a popular option for feeding guppies, but with so many brands and types of flake food available, it can be difficult to choose the best one. Here are some points to consider when choosing the best flake food for guppies.
- Nutritional Content
- Look for flake food that contains high-quality protein sources, such as fish or shrimp.
- Check for a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, to support guppy health.
- Avoid flake food that contains fillers or low-quality ingredients.
- Size and Shape
- Choose flake food that is small and bite-sized, as guppies have small mouths and need to be able to easily consume their food.
- Use flake food that floats on the water’s surface, as guppies tend to feed from the surface.
- Brand Reputation
- Research the brand of flake food to ensure that it is reputable and well-reviewed.
- Look for flake food formulated specifically for guppies, as this will provide them with the necessary nutrients for their unique dietary needs.
- Price
- Compare prices of different brands and types of flake food to find a cost-effective option.
- Consider purchasing in bulk to save money in the long run.
- Variety
- Offer guppies a variety of flake food options to prevent them from becoming bored with their food and to ensure that they receive a diverse range of nutrients.
Best Flake Foods For Guppies
Choosing the best one can be challenging with many brands and flake food types available. So, here’s a list of some of the best flake foods for guppies, along with their unique features.
- Contains high levels of protein, including fresh seafood and whole salmon.
- Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy growth and immune system function.
- Includes a mix of natural pigments for vibrant coloration.
- Made with no artificial preservatives or colors.
- Contains high-quality, easily digestible protein sources, including whole krill and squid.
- Formulated with a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, including probiotics for digestive health.
- Includes natural color enhancers for vibrant coloration.
- Made with no fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Small, bite-sized pellets that can be crushed into flakes for guppies.
- Contains high levels of protein from fish and shrimp.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals for overall health and vitality.
- Made with no artificial colors or preservatives.
- A classic brand of flake food trusted by fish keepers for decades.
- Contains a balanced blend of protein sources, including fish and shrimp.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, for immune system support.
- Floating flakes are easy for guppies to eat and promote healthy feeding behavior.
- Made with black soldier fly larvae, a highly nutritious and sustainable protein source.
- Formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including fruits and vegetables, for a balanced diet.
- Includes vitamins and minerals for overall health and vitality.
- Made with no fillers or artificial preservatives.
What Is The Best Food For Guppy and Guppy Fry?
There are a number of great food options for Guppies. Of course:
The staple of any guppies diet should be a high quality pellet or flake food, but this should also be given with live food such as daphnia and mosquito larvae, as well as blanched vegetables. All of which will give your guppy the most balanced diet possible.
Live food options for your guppy include:
- Insects
- Mosquito Larvae
- Small shrimp
- Small worms
Non-Living Food
- Flakes
- Pellets
There is also a homemade food option for those who have the time and inclination. Guppy fry should eat more live food, as it is closer to what they would eat in the wild.
Algae
Algae is a common food for wild guppies. Fortunately, it will often grow on it’s own in the fish tank, so you don’t need to worry about adding it yourself. However, if you think your guppy isn’t getting enough vegetation, then you can buy algae wafers.
Insects
Fish food made from insects is easily available at most pet stores. You can also find a variety of live insects to feed your fish. The best choice is daphnia, however, mosquito larvae will and brine shrimp also work wonders!
If you prefer to buy your insects, you can purchase so many different varieties of live food from local pet stores. You can also buy frozen or dried bugs if live ones are problematic.
Mosquito Larvae
Mosquito larvae are a common live food that guppies eat in the wild. If you plan on buying mosquito larvae for your guppies, just make sure they all get eaten before they turn into mosquitoes. However, you can find dried and frozen versions at some pet stores.
Brine Shrimp
You can find fresh, frozen, and dried brine shrimp for your guppies to eat, in most pet stores too. Just remember, live brine shrimp have to be eaten within a certain amount of time.
Blood Worms
Blood worms can also be found fresh, frozen, or dried. And they make great food for guppies. However, one thing to note is that bloodworms are quite fatty so they should only be given to your guppies as a treat.
Fish Food Flakes
Fish flakes are less popular among fish enthusiasts but are more traditional. They dissolve quickly, which can cause water fowling. However, the quick dissolving also tends to get the attention of more finicky or picky eaters.
The ease at which they dissolve is also something that helps prevent stomach problems. On the other hand, your fish are more likely to overeat these because they are so small and easy to consume.
One thing to consider is the size of your fish. Smaller guppies need smaller food. Fish flakes may be a better fit for your guppy if even the small pellets are too big.
Fish Food Pellets
Fish food pellets often include a mix of algae, plankton, and spirulina. This combination is great for guppies. Combine it with a high-protein fish flake, and you have a good, balanced meal for your guppies.
Pellets are the most popular option because they do not dissolve as quickly as food flakes. This helps prevent the fowling of the water from dissolved food bits. Pellets can come in many sizes. Some of them are made to float, and others are made to sink.
There are some disadvantages to food pellets. For one, they are dehydrated and can cause bloating and blockages. Dehydrated food expands when it gets wet, but this process takes time. If you put too many in your guppy tank, then your guppies will eat too many before they expand.
With pellets, it is best to sprinkle a few in at a time, watching your guppy. This will help prevent overfeeding. Another simple solution is to presoak the pellets. Presoaking allows them to absorb liquid, so they won’t absorb liquid while in the belly of your guppy.
Homemade Fish Food
Homemade Fish Food recipes are available online. You may also be able to pick one up at your local pet store. Make sure you are looking for recipes for Guppy Food, as different fish need different types of food.
Adult Guppies need a good balance of protein and vegetables in their food. Guppy Fry, however, need a high protein diet, along with plenty of vegetables.
The key to making your own food at home is making sure to include the right ingredients and make sure to chop or blend them small enough for your guppies to eat.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Guppies Live Food?
Feeding live food to guppies can provide various benefits for their health and well-being. Let’s go over some of the benefits of feeding guppies live food.
- Increased Nutritional Value
Feeding guppies live food can increase their nutritional value by providing a natural source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are easily digestible and can support their growth, immune system, and overall health.
- Mimics Natural Diet
Guppies are omnivorous fish, and they feed on various live foods in the wild. Feeding them live food in captivity can mimic their natural diet and provide a more varied and nutritious diet.
- Stimulates Natural Behavior
This can provide them with mental and physical stimulation, helping to prevent boredom and promoting health and well-being. Additionally, hunting and catching live food can trigger the release of endorphins in the guppy’s brain, contributing to its overall happiness and vitality.
- Helps with Digestion
Live food is more manageable for guppies to digest than processed or frozen food, which can benefit their digestive health. This can also help reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive problems.
- Encourages Breeding
Feeding guppies live food can help stimulate breeding behavior in both males and females. Live food especially benefits pregnant or nursing females, giving them the necessary nutrients to produce healthy offspring.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Guppies Pellets?
Feeding guppies pellets can provide various benefits, making them a popular and convenient option for many guppy owners. Here are its main benefits.
- Nutritional Value
Pellets are designed to provide a complete and balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of guppies. They contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for healthy guppies’ growth and maintenance. Pellets can provide a consistent source of nutrients, ensuring that guppies receive all the necessary nutrients for their development and overall health.
- Convenient
With pellets, guppy owners can select from various sizes and formulas to match their fish’s dietary requirements. Pellets can be fed in larger quantities without the risk of overfeeding or fouling the water, making them a convenient option for busy owners.
- Cost-Effective
Compared to live or frozen foods, pellets are more economical, providing cost-effective nourishment for guppy owners. They can be purchased in bulk, reducing the overall cost of feeding guppies.
- Reduces Disease Transmission
In contrast to live foods that may harbor parasites or dangerous bacteria, pellets can aid in minimizing the risk of disease transmission. This is because pellets are produced under strict quality control measures, ensuring they are safe and contaminant-free.
- Promotes Healthy Eating Habits
Feeding pellets to guppies can encourage them to adopt healthy eating habits by diminishing their dependence on high-fat, low-nutrient flakes. Additionally, pellets can be combined with live foods to furnish a well-rounded and balanced diet, advancing their overall health.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Guppies Bloodworms?
Bloodworms can be another delicious food source for your Guppies. Let’s go through some of the benefits of feeding guppies bloodworms.
Nutritional Value
Bloodworms are a rich source of protein, which is essential for the growth and development of guppies. They also contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and vitamin B12. These nutrients help support the immune system, promote healthy skin and scales, and improve overall health.
Variety in Diet
Adding bloodworms to a guppy’s diet can provide variety, stimulating their appetite and preventing them from becoming bored with their food. Variety in the diet can help ensure that guppies receive a diverse range of nutrients, promoting optimal health.
Stimulate Natural Behavior
Feeding guppies bloodworms can stimulate their natural behavior of hunting and scavenging for food. This can provide mental and physical stimulation, promoting their overall well-being.
Promote Breeding
Bloodworms contain high levels of protein, which can help promote breeding in guppies. The additional protein can increase the guppy’s energy levels and promote healthy reproductive systems.
Convenient
Bloodworms are readily available at most pet stores and are relatively easy to store and feed. They can also be purchased in bulk, making them a convenient option for guppy owners.
Things to Consider When Feeding Bloodworms to Guppies
While bloodworms can provide a range of benefits for guppies, there are some things to consider when feeding them to your fish. Overfeeding bloodworms can lead to digestive problems and fouling of the water. It is recommended to feed guppies a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including pellets and other live foods.
When Should You Feed Your Guppies?
It is common practice to feed adult guppies every twelve hours. A good example might be to feed them between six and eight in the morning and evening. However, of course, this is flexible, just make sure you’re feeding them twice a day when posisble.
Guppy fry however, need feeding every 4-6 hours. They will be okay if you can’t feed them during the day while you are at work, but trying to keep the time between feeding as short as possible is ideal.
Guppy Fry Potential Feeding Schedule:
- Feed them first thing in the morning
- Give them a small snack before you leave for work
- Feed them as soon as you get home
- Feed them right before bed
You can also invest in a timed fish feeder that you can set to feed them at certain intervals.
How Should You Prepare Your Guppies’ Food?
How you prepare food for your guppies will depend on the food. Is your food dehydrated? Is it frozen? Is it live? Is it homemade?
Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods, such as pellets or dehydrated insects should be soaked in the water ahead of time. This allows them to return to their normal size. This is important because your guppy can overeat if the food is shrunken with dehydration.
Dehydrated foods can cause bloating and blockages if not properly soaked ahead of time. This, in turn, can make your fish very sick. They can even die if the blockage is too big.
And remember, you should soak them in your tanks water. Normal tap water contains chlorine and chloramine which is poisonous to fish.
Fish Flakes
Fish flakes require no preparation. The most important thing to do if you are using them as food is to make sure not to grab too many when you give your guppies a pinch.
If the fish flakes are homemade, the preparation is fairly straightforward. First, you make the food paste. Make sure you have cooked all the ingredients. This helps create the paste, and it ensures that no bacteria get into your fish from raw food.
Once the food is cooked and blended into a paste, you can spread it out and bake it. Once it is baked, wait for it to cool down and then break it into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better.
Store your homemade flakes in either a dry, cool area or the freezer. Remember to thaw frozen foods.
Live Foods
Live foods doesn’t need to be prepared. However, they do need to be taken care of. So keep them alive before you feed your fish. And make sure you don’t feed your fish any that have died.
And remember, the smaller the food, the easier it will be for your guppy to eat. It’s a good idea to feed your guppies live food at least once or twice a week.
Frozen Foods
Frozen foods must be thawed before they can be fed to your guppies. If you place them into the tank without thawing them first it can be extremely harmful to your guppies. To thaw them efficiently, you should place them in some of your aquariums water.
Guppy Feeding Schedule
Feeding your guppy fish regularly is essential for their health. So, here are some points to consider when making a feeding schedule for your guppy fish.
- Frequency of feeding
Feed your guppy fish 1-2 times a day. Overfeeding can lead to health problems, so it’s important to follow a regular feeding schedule.
- Amount of food
The amount of food your guppy fish needs depends on size and age. Generally, feed your guppies an amount of food they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
- Types of food
Guppies are omnivores and can be fed a variety of foods. A balanced diet for guppies should consist of both dry and live food. Dry food can include flakes, pellets, or granules, while live food can include brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
- Feeding time
Guppies are active during the day, so feeding them in the morning and early afternoon is best. Avoid feeding them late at night, as they are less active.
- Feeding location
Feed your guppies in a location where they can easily access the food. Sprinkle the food on the water’s surface to be easily seen and eaten.
- Water quality
Remove any uneaten food from the aquarium after feeding to prevent it from decomposing and affecting the water quality.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about feeding their guppies!
How Can I Feed My Guppies Vegetables?
Guppies are omnivores, and they will eat vegetables. However, remember, guppies need protein as well as vegetables, so make sure you’re feeding them a balanced diet. To prepare your vegetables for your guppy, simply do the following:
Cut the vegetables that you want to cook into small pieces, and then boil or blanch them for 2-3 minutes. Once they’re soft enough, if they’re small enough for your guppies to eat drop them straight into the tank, or if they’re larger, blend them up.
What Vegetables Can You Feed Your Guppies?
There are so many vegetables you can feed your guppies, just make sure that you’re preparing them beforehand. Some great choices include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Kale
- Peas
- Potato
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- And more!
Can I Feed My Guppies Fruit?
Yes, you can feed fruit to your guppies. Like with the vegetables, cook, blend, and bake the fruit into meal flakes. Make sure you’re feeding them fresh fruit no more than twice a week.
Fruits your Guppies can eat include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes * in small amounts
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon * in small amounts
- And more!
There is a downside to feeding your guppies fruit. Fruits have fructose which is sugar. This sugar can cause bacteria to grow in the fish tank. A good idea is to only to feed your guppies fresh fruit right before you plan to clean their tank. This way, the sugars don’t hang around and make your guppies sick.
Can Guppies Eat Rice?
It’s best to avoid feeding your guppies rice as it has very little nutrients for guppies. They can survive on it, but they will not be getting all the nutrients they need.
What Can I Feed Guppies When I’m Out Of Food?
You can make your own guppy food quite easily. Just blanch some vegetables and drop it in the tank for a day or two. However, you should still try to get some high quality fish flakes or pellets as soon as possible.
Worst case scenario, you can go a few days without feeding your adult guppies.
Are There Any Foods I Should Not Feed Guppies?
In general, highly processed human foods are not good for your guppies. Make sure to definitely avoid feeding them bread and anything that comes out of a box.
Recap
The key things to remember about feeding your guppies are:
- Smaller feedings are better
- Pellets and flakes are the two most popular premade foods
- Guppies are omnivorous
- Guppy Fry eat more often and need smaller servings
Have a wonderful time getting to know your guppies!