If you’re wondering what the best tank mates for your guppies are, then you’ve found the right article. As you know, there are SO many different freshwater fish to choose from, picking the perfect ones can be time consuming and frustrating.
But don’t worry! In this article, you’ll learn about all the best choices as well as how to setup your tank so they can all live happily together!
What To Look For When Picking Tank Mates
Before we get started, here is what to look for when you’re picking tank mates for your guppy!
- Consider Size Compatibility: You should choose tank mates that are similar in size to guppies. Large or aggressive fish, for example, are likely to harm your guppies, so opt for small to medium-sized species like neon tetras or ember tetras.
- Assess Temperament: As well as size, look for peaceful fish that won’t stress your guppies out. Mollies, platies, and cherry barbs are good choices as they coexist peacefully with guppies.
- Check Water Parameter Compatibility: And of course, select tank mates that have similar water requirements to guppies. Dwarf gouramis and swordtails are great examples of this!
- Enhance Visual Appeal: Lastly, pick tank mates with vibrant colors or unique patterns to add visual intrigue and keep your tank looking stunning! Celestial pearl danios and sparkling gouramis some of my favorite choices for this.
Will Guppies Attack Their Tank Mates?
Guppy fish are peaceful and non-territorial and generally tend to get along pretty well with the other fish around them. So luckily, if you’re thinking about adding tank mates, guppies aren’t going to be a problem!
Best Guppy Tank Mates for 5-gallon Tanks
Although, as I stated earlier, I would recommend a larger tank for your guppies, sometimes a 5-gallon tank can be great. They are small, making them great for apartments or bedrooms, and they can be easy to take care of, providing you don’t overcrowd them.
That being said, it is very difficult to find tank mates that are suitable for such a small tank. Guppies like to swim in groups, so they will most definitely take up most of a 5-gallon tank. So what are the best options for tank mates for your guppy in a 5-gallon tank?
Nerite Snails
Our first non-fish tank mate on the list, nerite snails, are a perfect choice for a tiny 5-gallon tank. This is due to the fact that these colorful little crustaceans take up very little space, do a great job cleaning up the bottom of the tank, and occupy spaces your guppies won’t be interested in.
Nerites are especially good in small tanks because smaller tanks get dirty quickly. These guys will help you clean up old food scraps, decaying plant matter, that gets left at the bottom of the tank.
| Name | Nerite Snail |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Size | 0.75″ |
| Lifespan | 1-2 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Female Bettas
Female Bettas, unlike their male counterparts, are non-aggressive and adapt well to community tanks. They add variety and color to the tank, and their peaceful nature makes them suitable companions for guppies.
If you are going to keep females with your guppies though, it’s best to keep at least 3. Also, it’s generally better to keep female bettas with female guppies, to minimize the chance of aggression even further.
| Name | Betta |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature | 76-80°F |
| Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Size | 2.25″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Chili/Mosquito Rasbora
Consider the Chili Rasbora, a diminutive but charming addition that can create a perfect balance with your guppies. Their peaceful behavior and small size prevent them from posing any threat to guppies, allowing for a tranquil tank environment.
And another thing I love about these small fish, is that because of their small size, you can keep a them happily with guppies in a 5 gallon tank.
| Name | Chili/Mosquito Rasbora |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Size | 0.8″ |
| Lifespan | 4-8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Strawberry Rasboras
The Strawberry Rasbora, a delightful dash of red in your tank, are peace-loving fish, thus offering an ideal atmosphere for guppies. These beautiful creatures add a striking color contrast while keeping the tank peaceful and amicable.
In fact, guppies are some of the best tank mates for these small fish, because guppies are so peaceful, you won’t have to worry about your strawberry rasboras being eaten.
| Name | Strawberry Rasbora |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Size | 0.7″ |
| Lifespan | 8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Best Guppy Tank Mates For 10-Gallon Tanks
If 5 gallons feels a little bit cramped, but you still want to stay on the smaller side, perhaps a 10-gallon tank is the right size for you. In a 10-gallon tank, you’ll get a little bit more flexibility as to what species you’re able to keep in your tank with your guppies.
Let’s go over the best tank mates for guppies that swim in a 10-gallon tank.
Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are a great tank mate for a 10-gallon tank. The tetras themselves would probably prefer a bigger tank since they like to shoal, but a slightly smaller group can do alright in a 10-gallon tank.
These beautiful orange-ish fish will give a burst of color to your guppy tank, and they will shoal around peacefully with your guppies to boot. Tetras of any type are a pretty good pair with your guppies.
| Name | Ember Tetra |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Temperature | 73-84°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 0.8″ |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Panda Corydoras
Panda Corydoras, with their distinctive black and white markings, are a delightful addition to a guppy tank. Their peaceful temperament and the fact they’re bottom dwellers make them great tank mates for guppies.
Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also play a critical role in keeping the tank clean by scavenging for leftover food at the bottom.
| Name | Panda Corydoras |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Temperature | 68-77°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 10 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Glowlight Tetra
Glowlight Tetras, known for their beautiful orange-red stripe that appears to glow, are great companions for guppies. Their non-aggressive nature and schooling habits ensure that both species will live peacefully together.
They also add an enchanting light show to the aquarium’s dynamic, especially under the right lighting. Their tolerance for similar water conditions as guppies makes the pairing even more suitable.
| Name | Glowlight Tetras |
| pH | 5.8-7.5 |
| Temperature | 74-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
African Dwarf Frogs
Another great non-fish tank-mate, African dwarf frogs, are a fun and unique tank mate for guppies and will be the envy of aquarium enthusiasts everywhere.
Although they are a little tougher to take care of, these aquatic frogs are worth it just for the novelty of having a frog in the tank. Their beauty and uniqueness alone make them great, not to mention they cohabitate well with guppies!
They also tend to dwell at the bottom of the tank while guppies stay toward the middle, meaning they won’t compete over space.
| Name | African Dwarf Frog |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy-Moderate |
Celestial Pearl Danios
A relatively newly discovered variant of danios, these small danios are an incredibly beautiful and safe addition to guppy tank. Their deep blue bodies with whiteish spots speckled up and down their body earn their name for them, giving them an almost night-sky look.
Celestial pearl danios are small, curious, peaceful fish. They tend to spend most of their time in groups just swimming around the tank.
| Name | Celestial Pearl Danios |
| pH | 6.6-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 0.8″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Harlequin Rasboras
The Harlequin Rasbora, with its striking orange color and distinctive black ‘pork chop’ shaped patch, is another fantastic choice for your guppies. Known for their calm, non-aggressive nature and preference for schooling, these fish blend seamlessly into a community tank.
They occupy the middle layer of the tank, making their active yet peaceful presence a delightful addition to the overall vibe of the tank.
| Name | Harlequin Rasbora |
| pH | 6.0-7.8 |
| Temperature | 72-81°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 5-8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Bronze/Common Corydoras Catfish
Common corydoras are some of my favourite fish and they’re definitely the type of fish you should keep with your guppies. They love the bottom of the tank, so they’ll never get in your guppies way. But even if they did. both fish are friendly and wouldn’t be aggressive to each other anyway.
And if you don’t like the look of common corydoras, there are so many different types to choose from.
| Name | Bronze/Common Corydoras |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 68-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2.5″ |
| Lifespan | 10 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Otocinclus Catfish
The Otocinclus catfish is a quite timid and delicate bottom-feeding catfish famous for loving algae. They are fantastic scavengers and do a great job of keeping the bottom of the tank clean.
However, they can be a bit difficult to care for, as they are sensitive to water conditions aren’t perfect. Despite this, if they are placed in the right water, they will be friendly and coexist with the other fish in your tank with ease. This makes them a great pair with guppies.
| Name | Otocinclus Catfish |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 73-81°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Platies
Similar to swordtails, platy fish are a great beginner fish. They aren’t very demanding and can live in a variety of different water conditions. They come in a wide array of colors as well, but you can bet on those colors being bright and gaudy.
They are of peaceful temperament and happen to get along very well with not only guppies but mollies, tetras, catfish, and many other great guppy tank mates. This makes them an excellent and easy choice for pairing up with your guppies.
The only thing you’ll have to worry about with platies is how quickly they reproduce. If you put too many females in the tank, you will have a lot of platies on your hands!
| Name | Platies |
| pH | 6.8-8.5 |
| Temperature | 70-80°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 3″ |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Dwarf Corydoras/Tail-spot Pygmy Corydoras
Dwarf corydoras or tail-spot pygmy corydoras are a solid tank mate for guppies due to their small size, which, means you can keep more in the tank
Identifiable by their black-spotted tail and a crescent-shaped white outline, these fish will bring some much-needed dullness to contrast with the bright colors of many of the other fish on this list.
Dwarf cories are peaceful fish and do not require much space to thrive, making them excellent for beginners with small tanks or those trying to save space as well.
| Name | Dwarf Corydoras |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 72-79°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.6″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
(Did you know there are so many more great corydoras to choose from!)
Neon Tetras
If you’re looking to add a peaceful shoaling fish that is as eye-popping as it is easy to care for, then look no further than neon tetras. With their bright light blue head and their signature iridescent stripe that streaks along their bodies, neon tetras make a beautiful addition to any tank.
But outside their stellar looks, neon tetras have other advantages as well. They are easy to care for, as long as you have the space to allow them to shoal, and they are (as most fish on this list are) quite peaceful, allowing them to coexist, and if you’re lucky, even sometimes shoal with other species.
| Name | Neon Tetra |
| pH | 4.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5-8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Endler’s Livebearers
Endler’s Livebearers, also known share a peaceful and similar temperament to guppies, thus proving to be excellent tank mates. They are not only vivacious and active but also compatible due to their non-aggressive nature, making for the most happy and peaceful tank you can imagine.
One thing to note, though, is that Endler’s livebearers breed even more than guppies. So if you do plan on keeping the two together, then you are going to end up with a lot of fry. And to make matters worse, they can also breed with each other too.
| Name | Endler’s Livebearer |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 |
| Temperature | 68-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is known for its tranquil temperament and stunning beauty. These fish are unaggressive, and their preference for cooler water can help balance the tank’s temperature, providing a comfortable environment for guppies.
If you do want to keep the two together, it is possible, however, you’ll need to keep the guppies water slightly cooler than recommended, and if possible the white cloud mountain minnows slightly warmer. Try to get them both to meet in the middle at 73°F.
| Name | White Cloud Mountain Minnows |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 64-72°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5-7 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios, renowned for their lively patterns and playful nature, add a level of excitement to the tank. Their friendly, active behavior aligns well with guppies, offering a harmonious coexistence.
And if you’re new to fishkeeping or you have a new tank they’re going to be your best choice! They’re incredibly hardy and can handle water parameter fluctuations a lot better than a lot of other species.
| Name | Zebra Danios |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature | 64-78°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami, an enticing choice, has a tranquil demeanor that complements the guppy’s peaceful nature. Their unique bubble-nest-building behavior can also add an intriguing element to your tank.
If you’re interested in sparkling gouramis and guppies, I would keep them in a tank which is 15 gallons or bigger, as both fish do better in groups, so your tank will need to accomodate this.
| Name | Sparkling Gourami |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Temperature | 76-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 4-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami, colorful and serene, can share a tank with guppies without issue. Their quiet nature and splendid hues enhance the aesthetics while maintaining peace. In all honesty, these again, in my opinion are some of the best fish for your guppies, as well as your tank in general!
You can keep 2-3 in a 10 gallon tank, but in combination with guppies, it will be best to keep them in a tank which is at least 15 gallons in size.
| Name | Dwarf Gourami |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2-3″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Best Guppy Tank Mates For 15-Gallon Tanks
If a 10-gallon tank still seems a little bit small, and you want to have some actual larger shoals or schools in your tank, upgrading to a 15-gallon tank might be a smart move. In a 15-gallon tank, you’ll have more room for larger groups of fish or just larger tank mates in general.
Read on to find out what kinds of tank mates are good for guppies in a 15-gallon tank!
Green Neon Tetras
Green Neon Tetras, are similar to standard neon tetras, however, their blue stripe looks green in certain lights. Like their counterparts, they’re peaceful schoolers, happily co-existing with guppies while adding an exciting spectacle of color and activity.
And if you keep different kinds of tetra together, you may also see them end up schooling together as well.
| Name | Green Neon Tetra |
| pH | 5.0-6.5 |
| Temperature | 75-84°F |
| Tank Size | 15 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Peacock Gudgeons
The Peacock Gudgeon, a true spectacle of colors, is a peaceful and non-aggressive species. As you can see, their amazing patterns will provide an aesthetic delight, while their easy-going nature ensures they will happily coexist with guppies.
They aren’t as commonly found as other fish, which is another reason I love them for a guppy tank.
| Name | Peacock Gudgeons |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-79°F |
| Tank Size | 15 Gallons |
| Size | 3″ |
| Lifespan | 4-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Red Pencil Fish
Another great choice, the Red Pencilfish, with their slender bodies and gentle demeanor, make a fitting companion for guppies. They bring variety and charm to your tank without disrupting the tranquility that guppies love.
If you are going to keep red pencil fuish, they do best in groups of 5-6, so the bigger the tank better.
| Name | Red Pencil Fish |
| pH | 5.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Tank Size | 15 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish
The Dwarf Neon Rainbow Fish, are some of the coolest looking fish in the aquarium trade and make great tank mates for guppies. Keep them in a school of 6 or more to see them truly thrive. Once you’ve done this, you’ll watch these too cohabitate perfectly in the tank together.
| Name | Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 74-80°F |
| Tank Size | 15 Gallons |
| Size | 2.5″ |
| Lifespan | 4 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Best Guppy Tank Mates For 20-Gallon Tanks
If 5, 10, and 15-gallon tanks seem too small for you, you’re probably looking into getting a larger number of fish or some fish that need the extra space. Luckily for you, there is a lot more selection and variety as the tank sizes get bigger.
Remember, anything from above can also do just fine in a larger tank, or you can select some of the great guppy tank mates below!
Swordtails
Swordtails are another great beginner fish, making them an excellent guppy tank mate for those of us who are just starting out. Their ability to adapt to different water conditions as well as live in small groups (as they are not schooling fish) make them great for smaller tanks with fish-like guppies.
These fish come in a variety of colors ranging from a beautiful green to nice dull orangey-red, and get their name from their unique, blade-shaped long fin that trails off the back of them like a tail!
| Name | Swordtails |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 72-79°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 5.5″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli loaches are a special fish, often being mistaken for eels by onlookers due to their long, eel-like bodies. However, these loaches are actually just freshwater fish. Their fun and unique look isn’t the only thing that will make you want them in your tank, however.
Kuhli loaches are quite flexible, accepting most kinds of food and coexisting well with other peaceful freshwater fish. This makes them an ideal match for guppies!
One thing to watch out for, however, is their propensity to jump. Make sure your aquarium cover is on tight, or you’ll find a kuhli loach on the floor of your house! Also, much like cory catfish, kuhli loaches prefer a sand substrate, so they don’t damage their delicate fins while bottom-feeding.
| Name | Kuhli Loach |
| pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Temperature | 75-86°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 3-4″ |
| Lifespan | 10 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Honey Gouramis
A fish for more seasoned aquarium owners, honey gouramis are a bit difficult to take care of. However, with proper care, they make a great non-aggressive tank mate for guppies, as they tend to stay out of the way and hide in the shade, leaving plenty of swimming room for guppies.
That being said, they don’t come highly recommended for beginners. If you’re willing to take on the challenge, there are some things you should know!
Honey gouramis need to be in a small school, about four to six fish should do, to feel comfortable in a tank. Your tank should have an abundance of plants in it, giving the gourami a place to hide when they’re feeling particularly shy.
| Name | Honey Gourami |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 74-82°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 5-8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Moderate |
Mollies
Mollies are a great tank mate for guppies as long as you’re keeping them in a tank that’s 20 gallons or bigger. Like guppies, they are small and colorful, and their peaceful temperament makes them quite popular amongst beginner aquarium enthusiasts.
The small size of mollies, as well as their lack of aggression, makes them the perfect guppy tank mate.
| Name | Mollies |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 |
| Temperature | 71-82°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 4-5″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Cardinal Tetras
Don’t let their small size fool you; cardinal tetras need plenty of room. However, if you have a tank that’s at least 20 gallons in size they make a fantastic tank mate for guppies.
This is due to their similarities with guppies in behavior. Like guppies, they are very non-confrontational and mostly mind their own business, spending their days shoaling and swimming around the tank. They are not picky eaters and can get along with almost any other peaceful freshwater fish. Their beautiful blue and orange coloring, along with their propensity to shoal, make for a beautiful sight in any tank.
However, there are some caveats. Firstly, since they aren’t picky eaters, they will sometimes eat baby guppies if left alone. Make sure your tank has enough hiding spots for baby guppies to stay safe until they grow up!
| Name | Cardinal Tetra |
| pH | 5.3-7.8 |
| Temperature | 73-81°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Black Neon Tetras
The Black Neon Tetra, with its neutral colors and quiet demeanor, is another apt tank mate for guppies. As a schooling fish, it thrives in groups, bringing an added layer of complexity and dynamism to the tank.
What I like most about keeping these as tank mates for your guppies is that their muted colors are really going to help your guppy to stand out.
| Name | Black Neon Tetra |
| pH | 5.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 73-81°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy Nose Tetras, known for their distinctive red noses and striped tails, are incredibly peaceful. Their active, school-loving nature pairs perfectly with guppies. And while they are colorful, they’re not going to subdue your guppies color. Instead they’re going to mix perfectly with the guppies coloring, creating the perfect duality between the two.
| Name | Rummy Nose Tetra |
| pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Temperature | 72-84°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 5-6 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Best Guppy Tank Mates For 25+ Gallon Tanks
If none of the other tank sizes seem big enough for you, consider getting a 25-gallon, 30-gallon, or even larger tank! These tanks can house fish of all kinds and can be the home to a bustling and thriving aquatic community!
Although more expensive, they give your community room to swim, are easier to maintain due to less rapidly changing water conditions, and do not need to be replaced as often if your community outgrows the tank.
Here are some great guppy tank mates that you can put into larger tanks!
Bristlenose Plecos
The peaceful nature of bristlenose plecos makes them a fantastic companion for guppies in a larger tank. They are quite lookers as well, with bright colors to go along with their strange heads, which are home to fleshy tentacle-like appendages.
As most bottom dwellers are, so long as they have the proper plant cover and substrate, bristlenose plecos are quite easy to take care of. On top of this, they will do some of your work for you, eating up old bits of food and decaying plant matter, allowing you to clean your tank a little less frequently.
| Name | Bristlenose Pleco |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature | 70-80°F |
| Tank Size | 29 Gallons |
| Size | 5″ |
| Lifespan | 15 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
(Find out whether the 15 most common plecos are right for your tank!)
Siamese Algae Eater
As one might think when reading their name, Siamese algae eaters are famous for eating algae! However, unlike most species that eat algae, they don’t really just hang out at the bottom of the tank. They spend plenty of time there but also explore the rest of the tank for scraps of algae as well.
Siamese algae eaters love a tank with a good amount of plant cover and a soft substrate like sand. Otherwise, they are quite standard to care for.
| Name | Siamese Algae Eater |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Temperature | 75-79°F |
| Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Size | 6″ |
| Lifespan | 10 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Cherry Barbs
The Cherry Barb is a captivating addition to a guppy tank. Their strong red/orange coloring and peaceful nature make them an excellent choice, providing visual appeal without causing any disturbance to their tank mates.
If you are going to keep them with guppies, they are going to need a large tank, so you should only keep them if the tank is 30 gallons in size or bigger.
| Name | Cherry Barb |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 73-81°F |
| Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 4 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Glass Catfish
The Glass Catfish, an exotic choice, is both peaceful and intriguing. Their transparent bodies create a fascinating visual effect, providing a unique addition to the guppy tank.
However, these aren’t the easiest fish to keep, so if you do plan on keeping them, try to add them to an established tank. If you don’t have an established tank then it may be better waiting.
And ironically just like their name suggests, they are fragile fish, so make sure to keep the water parameters stable at all times.
| Name | Glass Catfish |
| pH | 6.5-7.0 |
| Temperature | 75-80°F |
| Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Size | 4-6″ |
| Lifespan | 6-8 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Moderate |
Congo Tetra
Congo Tetras, hailed for their exquisite, shimmering scales, are some of my favourite tetras! However, unfortunately, they can be quite hard to find and also they need a much larger tank than your guppies need.
However, if you have a big enough tank, then they’re going to be an excellent choice!
| Name | Congo Tetra |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 73-82°F |
| Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Size | 2.5-3.5″ |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
What Shrimp Can Live With Guppies?
Did you know guppies love shrimp as tank mates as well! Here are some great shrimp tank mates that you should consider!
Cherry Shrimp
Continuing with the theme of non-fish tank mates, cherry shrimp are a solid addition to a smaller tank as well. Their small size, peaceful demeanor, and ease of care make them a pretty good guppy tank mate. Their beautiful deep red color is a rare sight in many fish tanks and is welcome as a great change pace visually speaking.
| Name | Cherry Shrimp |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Size | 1.25″ |
| Lifespan | 1-2 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp are a peaceful bottom-dwelling species of shrimp that can be a great part of your tank’s cleanup crew! Although their translucent bodies make them a bit hard to see, they are larger in size than cherry shrimp and other kinds of aquarium shrimp, so given proper light, you can get a good view of these funny little shrimp!
This shrimp’s translucent body gets tinted based on diet, as they are omnivorous and will eat many things. In fact, they often steal food from other members of the tank! Although this is funny, make sure everyone is getting fed afterward!
| Name | Amano Shrimp |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperature | 68-85°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 2″ |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp, with their fascinating transparent bodies, make excellent tank mates for guppies. These peaceful creatures are scavengers, diligently cleaning up the tank by consuming uneaten food and decaying plant matter. Their calm demeanor ensures that they cohabit peacefully with guppies without posing any threat, thus contributing to a cleaner, more harmonious tank environment.
| Name | Ghost Shrimp |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperature | 68-80°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 1 Year |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Bee Shrimp
The Bee Shrimp, a tiny creature with striking white and black stripes, are not just an eye-catching addition to your aquarium but also extremely guppy-friendly. Their peaceful nature and bottom-dwelling habit mean they stay out of the guppies’ way, co-existing without causing any conflict. These shrimps also play a crucial role in maintaining tank hygiene by consuming algae and leftover food.
| Name | Bee Shrimp |
| pH | 6.0-6.8 |
| Temperature | 70-78°F |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| Size | 1.5″ |
| Lifespan | 1.5 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Blue Bolt Shrimp
Lastly, the Blue Bolt Shrimp, renowned for their vibrant, electric blue coloration, are another fantastic choice for a guppy tank. Like the Ghost and Bee Shrimp, they are peaceful and non-aggressive. Their stunning color adds an aesthetic allure to your tank, and their detritus-eating habits help keep the tank clean. Their bottom-dwelling lifestyle ensures they don’t intrude on the guppies, making for an incredibly peaceful and visually pleasing tank dynamic.
| Name | Blue Bolt Shrimp |
| pH | 6.0-6.8 |
| Temperature | 68-74°F |
| Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Size | 0.5″ |
| Lifespan | 1-2 Years |
| Difficulty Keeping | Easy |
Worst Tank Mates For Guppies?
While there are SO many great tank mates for your guppy, there are also some you’ll definitely want to avoid! The ones we’re talking about here, are mostly aggressive fish, or ones that grow to large sizes. With that in mind, guppies have barely any compatibility with the following:
Tiger Barbs
Barbs, particularly the larger, more aggressive species like tiger barbs, should be avoided when considering tank mates for guppies. Their boisterous behavior and tendency towards nipping at the fins of slower, more docile fish can disrupt the peaceful environment that guppies thrive in. And can often end up with your guppies being bullied.
If you want the complete guide on how to care for tiger barbs, check out this article!
African Cichlids
African Cichlids, although stunning in their vibrant hues, are notoriously territorial and aggressive. Their inclination towards dominance and their larger size make them a threat to the gentle guppy. Sharing a tank with such assertive neighbours can create undue stress for guppies, undermining their health and well-being.
Flowerhorn Cichlids
Flowerhorn cichlids, most known for the large bump on their head and vibrant colors, unfortunately, are not a good match for guppies. They are aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding. Their size and belligerent behavior can intimidate and harm guppies, disrupting their peaceful habitat, as well as any other peaceful community fish as well.
Oscars
Oscar Fish, despite their majestic appearance, are a no-go when it comes to guppy companions. Their large size and aggressive, predatory nature pose a direct threat to the safety of your guppies. Oscars, being omnivorous, might see smaller tank mates like guppies as potential meals, not friends.
Goldfish
Goldfish might seem like an obvious choice due to their widespread popularity, but they are not the best tank mates for guppies. Goldfish require colder water temperatures and produce a significant amount of waste, which can lead to poorer water conditions. These conditions can harm the guppies, making the pairing problematic.
However, with that being said, it is TECHNICALLY possible to keep these two fish together. So if you do want to keep them, make sure you’re a more experienced fishkeeper.
Male Betta Splendens
Male Bettas, while strikingly beautiful, as you know, have a reputation for their aggressiveness. They are often referred to as “Siamese fighting fish” for a reason. Their tendency to attack fish with similar appearances to themselves, like the colorful and long-finned male guppies, makes them unsuitable as tank mates.
Guppy Tank Setup
So, now that we’ve covered which other fish are good matches for your guppy tank let’s go over the tank itself! Guppies are fairly flexible as far as fish go, but it is still important to know what conditions need to be satisfied so you can have the healthiest guppies possible.
Tank Size
The first and probably one of the most important aspects of your tank is its size. The size of the tank determines what kind of fish can live in it, how many of that species, and how many of other species as well, not to mention what kind of plant life and cover will be able to fit as well.
Luckily for you, guppies don’t grow to be very big, and they don’t need to be in huge schools either. You can consider the minimum tank size for a guppy to be 5 gallons, which is pretty much the smallest size.
However, if you plan on having other kinds of fish, I would highly recommend a bigger tank. Fish grow and multiply more quickly than you might think, and although the extra space might not seem necessary now, you’ll be kicking yourself when you’re out shopping for another new tank.
So, again, I’d recommend springing for a 20 gallon or even a 25+ gallon tank if you’re planning on having a community of fish. Still, smaller tanks work, so whatever you are aiming to accomplish with your specific fish situation is perfectly fine; just make sure your guppies aren’t cramped.
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box
Temperature
Guppies are tropical freshwater fish. Originally coming from South America, they like their water to be a bit on the warmer side, as this mimics their natural environment.
The ideal water temperature for guppies is anywhere between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this rather high water temperature, your tank is going to need a heater. Buying one that can adjust easily is for the best, as you may need to make minor tweaks based on the behavior of your fish, as well as when you put in new tank mates.
- 🐟HITOP aquarium heater 50W, length 7.2-inch, power cord 4.9ft, designed for small fish tanks, recommended for aquariums up to 15 Gallons.
Water Conditions
Arguably the most important aspect of your setup other than your tank size is your water conditions. We’ve already discussed temperature, so we will skip that for now. Just keep in mind that the tank your guppies will be in will be a tropical freshwater tank, so it will be warm.
Guppies are a pretty tough species, making them flexible when it comes to water conditions. Be careful, though, as there are some things that can kill them rather quickly.
Firstly, make sure any water you mean to put guppies into is completely 100% chlorine-free. The guppies will be poisoned and suffocated by any chlorine that remains in their water. This means you have to actively remove any chlorine that is in the water. It is easy enough to find products to treat your water this way. Don’t assume there isn’t chlorine in any water; just play it safe.
All fish tanks, not just those for guppies, need some form of bacteria. It is crucial for the ecosystem of your tank that they exist. This means you must cycle your tank before putting guppies in.
Allow an ecosystem to form for a few days before putting the guppies into the tank. Then test it and make sure there is no ammonia, no nitrites, and at most 40ppm nitrates in your tank. Test kits for this kind of thing are readily available online or at your local pet supplier.
And of course, the best way to keep the tank clean is by adding a filter as well. In a 5-20 gallon tank, I’d personally use a HOB filter to maximize space. However, you can also try internal filters if they’re your preference as well.
Filters are vital for not only housing beneficial bacteria, but also for removing any waste and debris from the water too!
- QUIET AQUARIUM FILTER: The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter with Stay Clean technology contains a sound shield for quiet filtration less than 40 dB.
Guppies prefer their pH levels to be around 6.8-7.8 or even a little higher. This means they like their water neutral, or perhaps even a little bit basic. They also like a water hardness of dGH 4-12. Make sure these conditions are satisfied before putting your guppies in the water, and try to match your tank mates to also fit these conditions.
Plants, And Other Hiding Spots
Guppies can be a rather shy species, so they prefer a tank with plenty of hiding places. Whether this is to get away from perceived threats, creating a safe place for guppy fry, or just to get out of the light for a little bit, guppies really appreciate the existence of plants, driftwood, and other covers at or near the bottom of your tank.
Aquarium plants are not only great for guppies (and other fish) to hide within, but they can also serve some other functions within your aquarium. First of all, they look great. It can look a bit strange and unnatural to simply have a naked bottom to your tank. Plants, real or fake, will give your tank a much-needed splash of life and color, making it seem more lively and active.
Secondly, if you opt to get real plants, they can be a great source of food for some species of fish and other bottom feeders such as snails and shrimp. This is because these species often feed on decaying plant matter that clings to the bottom and sides of your tank.
If you want to know about the best plants for your guppies, then here are my top 16 recommendations!
Feeding Your Guppies With Tank Mates
When you’re feeding your guppies with tank mates normally, the easiest thing you can do is add tank mates with similar diets. Most omnivores will just need tropical flakes which are occasionally mixed with live food like blood worms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. As well as blanche vegetables like cucumber.
However, if you have carnivores, then you may need to purchase pellets designed specifically for them, and bottom dwellers will need sinking algae wafers or something similar.
Recap
So, as you can see, guppies are quite a flexible species. Able to live with a huge variety of different fish depending on tank size, guppies’ peaceful temperament and flexible diet, as well as their wide range of possible water treatment options, make them a great fish to base a tank around especially for beginners.
Whether you’re going to pair them with African dwarf frogs or cardinal tetra, or anything in between, your tropical freshwater tank will look beautiful if you pair your guppies with anything on this list!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to build yourself a dream aquarium. Have fun!