Guppies are one of the most popular and beginner-friendly fish species in the aquarium hobby. Their vibrant colors, playful nature, and hardy disposition make them a favorite among fish keepers. However, when it comes to creating a harmonious community tank, selecting the right tank mates for guppies is crucial. Guppies are small and peaceful, so they do best with other gentle species that won’t outcompete them for food or space. Here are ten of the best tank mates for guppies.
1. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish, or “cories,” are peaceful bottom-dwellers that make excellent companions for guppies. They are small, schooling fish that prefer to be kept in groups of at least six. Corydoras are active during the day, scouring the substrate for leftover food, which helps keep the tank clean. Their calm temperament and small size make them perfect tank mates for guppies.
2. Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are a classic choice for community tanks, known for their striking blue and red colors. Like guppies, neon tetras are peaceful and do well in groups. They are active swimmers and prefer to school in the middle of the tank, which means they won’t compete with guppies for space. Neon tetras and guppies together create a colorful and lively display in any aquarium.
3. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras are another small, schooling fish that thrive in the same water conditions as guppies. Their distinctive black and orange coloration adds contrast to the bright colors of guppies. Harlequin rasboras are peaceful and prefer to swim in the middle to upper levels of the tank, making them a good match for guppies.
4. Platies
Platies are closely related to guppies and share similar care requirements. They come in a wide variety of colors and are known for their easygoing nature. Platies are slightly larger than guppies but are just as peaceful, making them excellent companions. They are also livebearers, like guppies, so they share similar breeding behaviors.
5. Mollies
Mollies are another livebearing species that make great tank mates for guppies. They are larger than guppies but are generally peaceful and easy to care for. Mollies come in various colors and patterns, and their active swimming behavior adds dynamism to the tank. However, mollies prefer slightly brackish water, so adding a small amount of aquarium salt can benefit them and the guppies.
6. Swordtails
Swordtails are lively, colorful fish that make great tank mates for guppies. They are slightly larger than guppies and have a distinctive elongated tail fin, which adds visual interest to the tank. Swordtails are peaceful and share similar water requirements with guppies, making them an ideal addition to a community tank. Like guppies, they are livebearers, so they share similar behaviors, and their active swimming style complements the energetic nature of guppies.
7. Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf gouramis are small, colorful fish that can coexist peacefully with guppies if kept in a calm environment. It’s best to keep only one male dwarf gourami per tank to avoid aggression. These fish are more solitary and prefer to stay in the middle to upper levels of the tank. Their stunning colors and graceful swimming style complement the lively guppies.
8. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are a popular choice for those looking to add some invertebrate diversity to their guppy tank. These small, bright red shrimp are peaceful and will not harm guppies. In fact, cherry shrimp help keep the tank clean by eating algae and leftover food. Guppies and cherry shrimp coexist well, but make sure your tank has plenty of hiding spots for the shrimp, as guppies might occasionally nip at them.
9. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus catfish, or “otos,” are tiny algae-eaters that make excellent tank mates for guppies. These fish are incredibly peaceful and prefer to stay in small groups. Otocinclus catfish are effective at controlling algae in the tank without disturbing other fish. They are shy and spend most of their time attached to surfaces, making them a perfect addition to a guppy tank.
10. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches are slender, eel-like fish that are gentle and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day, but they come out at night to scavenge for food. Kuhli loaches are bottom-dwellers, so they won’t compete with guppies for space. They are best kept in groups of three or more and will appreciate a tank with plenty of hiding spots. Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
