Guppies are a popular fish for both beginner and experienced fish keepers alike. They are hardy, colorful, and relatively easy to care for. But one question often arises when people consider keeping guppies: can guppy live with other guppies? Or do they just live alone?
Yes, guppy fish can live with other guppies as these are very social creatures, but compatibility depends on the types of guppies you get. These schooling fish often schools with their kind and even do best when you keep them in groups.
But there are different guppies, and not all of them can live together. So, it’s important to know what kind of guppies you have before adding them to your tank.
In this blog post, we’ll answer that question and provide a comprehensive guide on keeping guppies in a tank with other fish.
Can Guppies Live With Other Guppies?
Yes, guppies can live with other fish, but a few things to consider before adding them to your tank. For example, what kind of guppy do you have? There are three main types of guppies – fancy, feeder, and Endler’s.
Fancy guppies are the most popular type that people often keep as pets. They come in various colors and patterns and have long fins.
So, what kind of guppy do you have? If unsure, it’s best to avoid caution and assume that you have a fancy guppy. Fancy guppies are the most delicate of the three types and require special care.
Why Does Guppy Live With Other Guppies?
Guppies live with other fish because they are schooling fish. This means that they feel more comfortable and safe when they are around other fish. They also like to have a lot of space to swim around, so a group is best.
Who doesn’t like companionship? These tropical Guppies are social creatures and often hang out with other fish in their tank.
This is because they are schooling fish, meaning they feel more comfortable and safe around other fish.
A single guppy in a tank is not likely to thrive and may even die. So, if you’re thinking about adding some guppies to your tank, adding a group of six guppies together is best. This will give them the social interaction and space they need to be happy and healthy.
What Kind Of Guppies Can Live Together?
Not all guppy fish can live together. In addition, there are different guppies types, and some just don’t get along. So, it’s important to research and ensure you are getting the right type of guppy for your tank.
While some guppies will live together and school happily, others will fight. So, it’s best to get a mix of different guppies to ensure they all get along.
Even if you have the same type of guppy, there is still a chance they might not get along. This is because guppies are very territorial fish, and sometimes two male guppies will be unable to share the same space.
You might need to consider keeping them in separate tanks if this happens. Or just maintain the male-to-female guppy ratio to 1:2 all the time to avoid dominance and competition for female attention.
What Other Fish Can You Keep With Guppies?
Guppies are not the only fish you can keep with guppy fish. There is actually a lot of different fish that get along well with guppies.
Guppies are peaceful fish, so you can keep them with other peaceful fish. Some good choices include mollies, platies, and Swordtails, which are other livebearers like guppies.
So, basically, you can keep your guppies with other livebearers happily. Just avoid keeping them with aggressive fish like cichlids or barbs.
So, if you’re looking for some tank mates for your guppies, here are a few suggestions.
Can Guppies Live Alone?
Guppies are social creatures and do best when you keep them in groups. Of course, they can live alone, but I will never recommend that.
Guppies are known as “the million fish” because they reproduce quickly. If you have a male and female guppy, you’re likely to end up with dozens of guppies in a short period.
While this is fun for some people, it’s not ideal for everyone. If you’re not planning on breeding your guppies, it’s best to keep them in a group so they have companionship.
All in all, guppies can live alone, but they will only stay happier if you keep them in a group. If you must keep them alone, provide them with plenty of hiding places and things to do. A bored guppy is a stressed guppy, and a stressed guppy is likelier to get sick.
Should You Keep Guppies In A Group?
Yes, it would help if you kept guppies in a group. They are social creatures and do best when they are around other fish.
I recommend you keep a minimum of six, but the more, the better. Guppies also like to hide and prefer to have hiding places, so provide them with plenty of plants or rocks to hide behind.
But remember to separate the guppies as soon as they get pregnant. Pregnancy can take a toll on fish, and these guppies will eat their young ones accidentally all the time.
How Many Guppies Should You Keep Together?
You might wonder, “If guppies are schooling fish, does that mean I have to have many of them?” The answer is no.
You can keep just a few guppies together, but they will stay happier if you have at least six in a 20-gallon tank.
It would help if you remembered each guppy need at least 3 gallons of water. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you could technically keep up to 40 guppies in it.
But, we don’t recommend that because it would be overstocked and your fish would be stressed. Remember, it’s better to have a few happy guppy fish than many stressed-out fish.
So, when in doubt, err on the side of fewer fish. But, of course, you can always add more later if you want to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guppy fish can live with other guppies, are social creatures, and do best in groups, but they can also live alone if necessary. Provide them with plenty of hiding places and things to do if you keep them solo, and they should be just fine. Guppies are incredibly adaptable fish, and as long as you provide them with what they need, they will be happy regardless of whether they live alone or with others of their kind. Thanks for reading!
Do you have any questions about keeping guppies? Let us know in the comments below!
Good Luck!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!!