Last Updated on 2026-07-08
If you’re wondering how many guppies should be kept together, then you’ve found the right article! In this article, not only will you learn how many guppies need to be kept together, but you’ll also learn by the size of your tank as well!
If this sounds helpful to you, make sure you keep reading to find out everything there is to know!
Key Takeaways:
- Male-to-female guppy ratio should be 1:3 to avoid stressing females due to breeding pressure from the males.
- Having more females gives each girl more resting and breeding space, as well as preventing male aggressiveness and in-fighting.
- Males can be grouped in a minimum of six to maintain power balance and avoid attacks among them.
- Too few males lead to unbalanced power, while an excessive number results in males attacking one another randomly.
How Many Guppies Should Be Kept Together?
Fancy guppies should be kept in a ratio of 1:3. The same rules apply; if there are too few females in the tank, males will harass them constantly. You should also remember that some fancy guppies can be aggressive, so choosing the right combination of males and females is important to ensure that everyone is comfortable and happy.
How Many Male And Female Guppies Should You Have?
Guppies should be kept in tanks in a ratio of 1:3, which means there should be 3 females for every male. This is because if more male fish are in the aquarium, they will constantly chase the smaller number of female fish, stressing them out.
Female guppies who experience stress will have a weakened immune system, which increases their risk of being sick and probably results in mortality. Therefore, having more female guppies than male guppies is recommended while setting up your aquarium.
To ensure the male guppies don’t end up fighting, it’s important to figure out the right ratio. This will also give the female guppies a chance to rest and give pregnant guppies a chance to carry their babies to term without having to worry about their male counterparts all the time.
As the number of guppies in your tank grows, you can increase the number of males to females. This is because at some point, there will be enough females that they will all be able to have a break at some point.
Why Are Your Guppies Grouping Together?
It’s common for guppies to group, or “school,” in one area of the aquarium. This behavior allows them to show protection and safety in numbers. It also helps guppies communicate with each other and allows them to find food more easily.
If your guppies are grouping together too much, it could be a sign of overcrowding or an aggressive tank mate. To solve this problem, you should add more plants and other decorations to the tank to provide them with hiding places. You can also increase the water temperature to make it easier for them to swim around and explore different areas.
Ensure your aquarium has enough space for all your guppies to school together without overcrowding each other. The ideal tank size for guppies is at least 5 gallons minimum for 2-3 fish and should be filled with plenty of hiding places and decorations.
This will help ensure that your fish are comfortable and have plenty of room to move around without worrying about being attacked or harassed by other fish.
Can You Keep One Guppy On Its Own?
If you want your guppy fish to be healthy and happy, you shouldn’t keep it alone. Guppies are social fish that do better when kept with other fish, whether of the same breed or not. If they are kept alone, they won’t do as well.
You can keep males and females together or keep your guppy fish with other fish that get along with them. It’s essential to research what other fish do well with guppies before adding them to your tank. When you decide to add another guppy, make sure they are of similar size and age so they can get along better.
Ultimately, the number of guppies you keep together should depend on the tank size, the number of males and females, and the fish you have. Keeping a ratio of 1:3 is always recommended for regular guppies.
How Many Guppies in a 5 Gallon Tank?
When it comes to keeping fish, a 5-gallon tank is the smallest size aquarium you should go for. The compact size of these fish tanks may seem like a benefit, but actually it’s the biggest problem. Because of the small amount of water in the tank, the parameters can change quickly and ammonia can build up a lot quicker. With that in mind, in my opinion:
You can keep 2 female guppies and 1 male guppy in a 5 gallon tank. Doing this will ensure that the males don’t harass females or attack each other. Any more guppies than this and your tank will be too overstocked which can cause the water quality to become poor.
One thing to be aware of is the level at which guppies breed, as it will overstock your tank very quickly. While it’s possible to keep guppies in a 5 gallon tank, I’d definitely recommend 10 gallons or bigger.
How Many Guppies in a 10 Gallon Tank?
Once we hit the 10 gallon stage you can actually add a couple more guppies. In my opinion once you get to 10 gallons, if you’re an experienced fish keeper you can keep 5-6 guppies, if you’re new to the game you should only keep 3-4. This way you have more wiggle room with mistakes. Although guppies are harder fish, there’s no point putting them into undue stress if you don’t need to.
How Many Guppies in a 20 Gallon Tank?
Lastly, once you get to 20 gallons, you’re going to be able to keep a lot of guppies. We’re talking 10 plus! However at 20 gallons, there are so many other great fish to choose from, I myself would opt for something else, like Swordtails.
Does Gender Matter?
To inexperienced people, all guppies (and other fish) look the same, and there are no visible differences between males and females. Not true, though! Male and female guppies have a lot of differences, and gender is crucial when calculating how many to hold in a tank.
Generally speaking, males have longer and slender bodies, but female guppies look rounder and curvier. That said, females tend to be bigger than males. Male guppies tend to grow up to 1.5 inches long, while females can reach two or even 2.5 inches in size.
As you can guess as well, males tend to be more aggressive, if there are too many of them in a tank at a time. Because of this, you should always be keeping 1 male for every 2 or 3 females. There is one caveat to this however…
How To Keep Male Guppies Together
You can keep male guppies together in groups of 6 or more. When you have too few male guppies then one may end up getting bullies more than the rest. However, once you get over six, there will still be aggression, but it will be spread evenly between all the guppies.
One thing to think about when keeping all males together is that, their colors are a lot brighter when they’re trying to attract a female. So sure you can keep all males together, but you may not get the coloring you’re looking for when doing so.
What Will Happen If You Add Too Many Guppies?
Overpopulation for inexperienced fish keeper’s is a recipe for disaster. While it can be done, I like to understock tanks so you have room for error. As well as this, it gives each fish more room to swim and be happy! Here’s what will happen if you add too many guppies to your tank.
It Will Get Dirty & The Water Quality Will Get Worse
First of all, if you add too many guppies to a tank, especially to smaller tanks, the water will get dirty quicker. Not only can this make it go cloudy, but the dirtier the water, the more ammonia there will be in the tank, which is fatal to all fish.
That doesn’t even take into account the increased risk of disease and infection either.
Aggression
While guppies aren’t aggressive by nature, if they are in a tank which is too small, then it’s only expected that they’ll end up being more aggressive towards each other. Especially the males. This can be mitigated to some degree by adding more plants, but even then, if the tank is too small, it still won’t stop it 100%.
Deformities and Growth Issues
Malnutrition is another common problem that you may face in an overcrowded guppy aquarium. Without enough space, they will never grow to reach their full size, which doesn’t sound too bad until you realise, this will result in more and more deformities. Especially in cases where inbreeding is occurring as well.
You might also enjoy our article on how many tiger barbs should be kept together.
Tips For Keeping Guppies In A 5 Gallon Tank
If you’re going to keep guppies in a 5 gallon tank, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you keep them as happy as possible!
Provide Plenty Of Hiding Spaces
First of all you should provide plenty of hiding spaces for them, so they can relax and rest. Any sort of store bought decoration, plants, rocks, or driftwood are going to be great for this!
Add Live Plants
On the subject of plants, these are also essential when you’re putting guppies in a 5 gallon tank too! Not only will they provide hiding places, they’ll also oxygenate the water as well as keep it clean.
Be Careful At Feeding Time
You should also be careful at feeding time! You don’t want to overfeed your guppies, but you also want to make sure that every guppy is getting fed enough. When you’re done feeding, just make sure that you remove any uneaten food after.
Change The Water Regularly
5 gallon is quite small, so make sure that you’re performing regular water changes. You should be changing the water in a tank this size around once a week, removing 10-20% of the water each time.
Invest In A Filter And Heater
Tanks this small are so susceptible to water parameters shifts. Even a strong draft or a particularly hot day can cause the conditions to fluctuate dramatically. So making sure you’re keeping a filter and heater in the tank is essential for your guppies survival.
Keep An Eye On The Fry
And lastly, you need to keep an eye on the fry in the tank as well. It will only take a couple of fry reaching maturity and before you know it your tank will be incredibly overstocked.
Is It Possible To Add More Guppies To A 10 Gallon Tank?
Whilst it’s definitely not recommended, it is possible to add more guppies to an aquarium, however, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
Use A Good Filter
The most important thing you can do is make sure you’re using a powerful filter in your tank. You should opt for an external filter over internal to maximise space.
On top of using a good filter, make sure there is plenty of biological media in the tank to help harbor beneficial bacteria.
A good filtration system in your guppies tank is essential for removing fish waste and toxins, as well as housing good bacteria.
Test And Change The Water Regularly
As well as making sure that fish tank filter is good enough, you should also be testing the water and changing it regularly as well! With more fish, it’s much more likely that something is going to go wrong, so testing the water regularly will help you keep an eye on any spikes in the tank.
Add Live Plants
As well as improving the filter quality and checking the water you should also add plenty of live plants. Thy are going to help keep the water clean, while also giving all the guppies in your tank plenty of places to hide and rest if they need too!
If you’re not sure what plants to add, i’d highly recommend:
- Java fern
- Anubias
- Duckweed
- Amazon sword
- Amazon frogbit
- Hornwort
- Guppy Grass
- Water Lettuce
- American Waterweed
Remove Any Uneaten Food
You should also make sure that you’re removing any uneaten food from the tank as well. As soon as your guppies are done eating. When you’re keeping more guppies than a 10 gallon tank can handle together, the ammonia levels can rise incredibly quickly. One way with dealing with this efficiently is by ensuring there is minimal waste in the tank.
How To Setup your 20-gallon Guppy Tank
If you’re thinking of setting up a 20-gallon guppy tank, here’s what you need to know:
Picking the Right Tank: Start by choosing the right tank. A 20-gallon tank is perfect for keeping a school of guppies and some compatible tank mates. Make sure the tank is clean and free of scratches or defects.
Substrate and Decor: Next, add some substrate and decor. Guppies like to explore, so make sure to create an engaging environment. Use fine gravel or sand as your tank’s foundation and add some live or artificial plants, driftwood, and rocks to make it more interesting.
Filtration and Aeration: Proper filtration and aeration are essential for maintaining clean water. Use a reliable filter that’s appropriate for your tank’s size. A sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter are good options for a 20-gallon guppy tank.
Heat and Light: Guppies like stable water temperatures. Keep the water between 72-82°F and use a quality aquarium heater for temperature regulation. For lighting, a basic aquarium LED light will suffice.
Water Conditions: Guppies are hardy, but they have their preferences. Aim for a slightly alkaline pH level of around 7.0-7.5, and keep ammonia and nitrite levels at zero with nitrate levels below 20 ppm. Perform 10-20% water changes each week to maintain optimal water quality.
Tank Mates: Guppies are social creatures and enjoy the company of their own kind. Keep a small school of 10-15 guppies in your 20-gallon tank, and avoid overcrowding
Feeding: A well-balanced diet is the key to happy, colorful guppies. Feed them a variety of high-quality flake food, freeze-dried or frozen treats, and the occasional live snack. Be mindful of overfeeding, as it can muddy the waters.
Maintenance and Watch: Finally, keep the tank clean and change the water as needed. Watch for signs of stress or disease in your guppies and address any issues promptly.
What Tank Mates Can You Keep With Guppies In A 20 Gallon Tank?
If you’re not sure you just want to keep guppies on their own, then there are plenty of tank mates you can also keep with your guppies as well.
Some great choices of tank mate for your guppies include:
- Neon Tetras
- Bronze Corydoras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Mollies
- Platies
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Amano Shrimp
- Cherry Shrimp
- Malaysian Trumpet Snails
- Ramshorn Snails
- African Dwarf Frogs
- Chili Rasboras
Check out this article if you want a more in-depth explanation of the tank mates that can live with guppies.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about how many guppies they can keep!
Do Guppies Need to Be in Groups?
Guppies like to be with other fish, so if you want them to have the best life possible, they must be in an aquarium with other fish. They are fish that swim in groups, so they don’t do well alone. They can be kept with or without other fish of the same species as long as the other fish aren’t too big or mean.
Can You Put Different Types of Guppies Together?
Yes. If you want a more varied tank, this is the best choice. There are almost 300 species of guppies, and many subspecies come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Can Different Types of Guppies Breed?
Yes, guppies of different types can have babies. For example, endler guppies and fancy guppies can have babies together. But the impregnation might not work every time. Inbreeding can cause genetic changes that hurt the new strain’s ability to live long and make it more likely to get sick.
Can You Mix Guppies with Other Fish?
Guppies are friendly, peaceful fish that get along well with many other peaceful freshwater fish of the same size. Guppies get along well with swordtails, mollies, platies, Cory catfish, and other fish.
— Read our articles about The Best Guppy tank makes —
Can You Breed Guppies In A 5 Gallon Tank?
Guppies can and will breed in a 5 gallon fish tank, which would cause it to become overstocked extremely quickly. If you plan on letting them breed, you should have another fish tank ready or plenty of fish to feed the fry too.
The reason why you need to consider breeding is that it can lead to overcrowding. The general ratio is one male per two female guppies. Avoid having more males than females because it would intensify their breeding. If you’re not ready to take care of this problem, e.g., if you’re not experienced, then you should opt for a bigger fish tank.
How Many Guppies In A 10 Gallon Tank With A Betta?
You should never keep guppies in a 10 gallon tank with a betta because the chances are your betta will end up attacking them. In larger tanks, you can try keeping female guppies with male bettas, or female guppies with female bettas.
However, the chances of success will vary massively depending on the temperament of your fish.
How Many Mollies And Guppies In A 20 Gallon Tank?
In a 20 Gallon tank you should only keep 3 full size mollies and 3 full size guppies together. If you want more you should get them while they’re still small, however, remember that once they grow, you’ll need to move some to another tank.
How Many Guppies And Neon Tetras In A 20 Gallon Tank?
You need a minimum of 6 neon tetras in a tank, and a minimum of 3 guppies following a 1:2 male to female ratio. However, after that you can add more of both to your tank until you reach 20 inches of fish.
Recap
Guppies are a great addition to any aquarium, and the number of guppies you should keep depends on several factors. It’s essential to consider the space available in your aquarium, the types of guppies you’re keeping, and their behavior. Don’t forget the 1:3 ratio in keeping male and female guppies. This way, you can ensure your guppies are happy and healthy in their new home.
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