Guppy Fish

Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata), or simply guppies, are tropical freshwater fish from South America. They are some of the most popular pet fish. They are also widely distributed around the world in different climates and conditions, given their high adaptability.

Size

Female guppies are larger than male ones with the females being 1.2 to 2.4 inches long while the males measure 0.6 to 1.4 inches long. The size of the fish depends on the breed and conditions they are kept.

Adaptability

Guppies are tropical freshwater fish, but they are highly adaptable. They can be found all over the world in different conditions. They prefer temperatures of 72-82°F for the best health.

Behavior

Guppies are schooling fish, with this behavior heavily influenced by their small sizes. Schooling helps protect them from predators since they have lots of them. They are peaceful fish that may occasionally nip each other’s fins.

Interesting Facts

Guppies have many unique features. For example, they give birth to live fish rather than laying eggs and have 23 chromosomes, similar to humans. For such reasons, they are used as model organisms in behavioral, evolutionary, and ecological studies.