Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are small livebearing fish known for colour, personality, and beginner-friendly care. They’re popular in Australia because they suit typical local tap water, they’re active and social, and they offer endless strains (from clean metallic “dragon” patterns to bold tail mosaics).
What makes guppies different from many aquarium fish?
- They’re livebearers: females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.
- They learn routines quickly: guppies recognise feeding time and often greet you at the glass.
- They tolerate a broad range as long as the tank is stable (stable beats “perfect”).
Why guppies suit Australian homes
Many Australian water supplies are neutral-to-alkaline with moderate hardness. Guppies generally prefer mineral-rich water and do best when KH/GH provide buffering and consistency. That’s why guppies often settle well in Australian setups once water is dechlorinated and temperature is steady.
What “good guppies” look like
Colour is fun, but health shows in structure and behaviour:
- Body line: straight back, no kinks, strong tail base (peduncle).
- Fins: open, not clamped; tails should look supported, not dragging like a heavy curtain.
- Swimming: confident cruising rather than constant hiding or struggling against flow.
- Eyes and mouth: clear eyes, normal breathing, no fuzzy edges.
Beginner tank essentials (simple, not fancy)
- Tank size: 40–60L is a comfortable “sweet spot” for stability.
- Filter: sponge filters are excellent for guppies and fry; gentle flow keeps tails intact.
- Heater: 24–26°C for consistent appetite and colour, especially when nights cool down.
- Water prep: always dechlorinate; keep ammonia/nitrite at 0.
- Cover: plants or decor to break line of sight (reduces chasing and stress).
Common beginner mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Overfeeding: excess food becomes waste. Feed small portions that clear quickly.
- Rushing the cycle: add fish only when the tank can process waste (ammonia/nitrite stay at 0).
- Strong current: fancy tails struggle in heavy flow. Diffuse the outlet or use a sponge filter.
- Adding too many fish at once: build stock gradually so the filter keeps up.
A simple starting group
For mixed tanks, many people start with 1 male to 2–3 females to reduce chasing stress. If you want colours without fry, a small male-only group works too — just add cover and scatter-feed to reduce dominance behaviour.
If you want help picking guppies that match your tank size and local water, you can contact us with your litre volume and basic test readings. The best results come from matching fish to the environment, not forcing the environment to match one fish.
