🐟 Fish · size Very small
Guppy
Aquarium fish, specific biotope.
Photo · Holger Krisp (CC BY 3.0)
Weight
1–3 g
Size
Very small
Lifespan
3–8 ans
Energy
Faible
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Faible
Poecilia reticulata, the guppy, is a freshwater and brackish fish species of the Poeciliidae family. Native to South America, this fish was introduced to many countries to fight mosquitoes, with limited effectiveness and not without ecological risks according to a scientific alert issued in 2016. It is an ovoviviparous fish appreciated in aquarium keeping, particularly for its vibrant colors (especially in males), ease of breeding, and low cost.
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In some countries, including France, guppy strains or varieties created within breeding programs have acquired legal status as domestic animals.
Compatibility
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Faible
Trainability
Faible
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Very small size (0.001–0.003 kg) — ideal for apartments and easy to transport.
- 2Life expectancy: 3 to 8 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Low exercise needs — suitable for less active individuals.
- 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Guppy
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Guppy
Origins & history
A story told
In 1866, while on a mission to Trinidad and Tobago, Robert John Lechmere Guppy (1836-1916) sent living specimens of a new fish species to Albert Charles Lewis Günther (1830-1914) of the British Museum, who named it after him: Girardinus guppyi. However, it was later discovered that this species had already been discovered in 1856 and named by Wilhelm Peters (1815-1883) in 1859 as Poecilia reticulata.
Physical
Breed standard
The wild form of this fish is noticeably less colorful than farm specimens and their fins do not form veils. The male measures between 3 and 4 cm (1.6 in) in length while the female, generally larger, measures between 5 and 7 cm (2.8 in) in length. This animal is ovoviviparous, meaning the female gives birth directly to fry capable of moving and feeding themselves. The male is much more colored and of more variable shape than its companion, it also has a gonopode, anal fin transformed into an organ of copulation. There are many fin forms and different colors obtained by selection.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Guppy of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of guppy (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a guppy ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 3–8 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
Equivalent human age
52years
Mature
Metabolism slows down. Monitor weight and early signs of joint stiffness, and have teeth checked.
Estimate: Proportional estimate: a reference life expectancy of 5 years, scaled to an 80-year human life. No reference veterinary table exists for this species.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
Like all aquarium fish, the guppy can suffer from various diseases:
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freshwater white spot disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis); bacterial fin rot (Chondroccus columnaris); parasitism (Camallanus cotti); dropsy; lernaeosis (Lernaea sp., rare in guppies but contamination possible if another fish is affected).
Alert
To avoid for fish
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- Pacific tunaModerate
- Copper sulphateModerate
- red meatModerate
- breadLow
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a guppy ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for fish. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Estimate not available for this species.
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Frequently asked questions about Guppy
How long do Guppies live?+
Is Guppy suitable for beginners?+
What basic equipment should you plan for?+
If you like this fish
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Guppy.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.