When new guppies arrive and immediately hide, many keepers assume something is wrong. Most of the time, it’s simply stress from transport and a brand-new environment. Guppies are curious, but they also need time to learn that the tank is safe, the flow is predictable, and feeding is consistent. With the right approach, most fish settle within a few days.
How long hiding usually lasts
For healthy fish in stable tanks, hiding often reduces within 24–72 hours. Very shy fish or fish moved into bright, open tanks can take a bit longer. If hiding persists beyond a week, that’s when you start looking for environmental causes.
Common reasons new guppies hide
- Bright lighting: a bright tank with no cover makes fish feel exposed.
- Strong flow: tired fish choose corners to rest.
- Active tank mates: “busy” tank mates can intimidate new arrivals.
- Water mismatch: pH/temperature differences can make fish uneasy.
What helps them settle faster
- dim lights for the first day or two
- offer small meals (don’t overfeed)
- avoid rescapes and deep cleaning for a week
- provide plants/retreat spots so they feel secure
When hiding is a warning sign
If hiding is paired with heavy breathing, clamped fins, flashing, or refusal to eat for days, test ammonia/nitrite and confirm temperature. New fish are more sensitive to small issues because they are already stressed.
In most cases, the best “treatment” is patience with stable conditions. Once guppies learn the routine, they come out, colour up, and start acting like the confident fish you expected.
