In the aquarium hobby, guppies are some of the most adored and recognizable fish. They are a popular option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to their brilliant colors, low maintenance requirements, and lively personalities.
With so many options, every kind of guppy adds a special charm to any aquarium. Every fish aficionado can find something to like in the dazzling patterns of Mosaic guppies or the bold tails of Delta guppies.
This post will examine some of the most common varieties of guppy fish, emphasizing their unique characteristics and what makes them unique in the aquatic world.
- General information about guppies
- Varieties of guppies by color
- Classification in the form of fins and tail
- Popular species
- Video on the topic
- Types of Guppies.Poecilia reticulata
- The most popular TYPES OF GUPPY – aquaristics
- Guppy Championship in Europe, Germany 2025! The most beautiful aquarium fish guppies!
- TOP-10 most popular and unpretentious aquarium fish: their homeland and interesting facts
General information about guppies
The creatures are members of the family Pecilia, which is an order of fish that resemble carp. Guppies started to proliferate at the close of the 1800s. The fish was transported from Trinidad Island. They reside in freshwater reservoirs in their natural habitat. Live mosquitoes, insects, and larvae are food for animals.
Representatives from within the country are not like those living in the wild. This is the breeders’ merit. Fish vary from one another in terms of dorsal and caudal fin color and shape. However, a precise species classification system for fish has not yet been established. Guppies like to congregate in little flocks. They swim in the water’s upper layers. It is viviparous, the fish. The female gives birth to fry right away; she does not lay eggs.
Guppies can be easily distinguished by sex. There are multiple indicators that can be used to discern between a male and female:
- the female is larger than the male, the color is more faded;
- during pregnancy, it has an enlarged abdomen;
- males have a beautiful fluffy tail;
- males have a mobile copulatory feather called gonopodium.
Guppies are often thought of as unassuming fish. In fact, they respond angrily to any alteration in the water’s composition. In order to live comfortably, aquatic life requires the following things:
- Not less than 1.5 liters of water for each representative.
- The water temperature should be within 23-26 degrees. Sharp deviations in these indicators cannot be allowed. This will eventually lead to the death of all individuals.
- The fish react to a lack of oxygen, so it is necessary to constantly saturate the aquarium water with this substance.
- It is important to choose the right lighting for animals. If there is not enough light, their activity decreases.
- Live plants can be used as decoration. The best choice is a fern. It is present in the natural habitat.
- It is worth giving preference to sandy soil.
- Guppy nutrition should be varied. They are adapted to any type of food. The dose can be calculated based on the time of eating. The fish eat the food in 2 minutes.
Crucial! An additional requirement. Different species must be kept in separate containers if you want to breed purebred guppies.
Due to their lively colors, low maintenance requirements, and active lifestyle, guppies are among the most popular aquarium fish choices for both novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts. Guppies are a favorite among people who wish to add variety and beauty to their tanks because they come in a variety of forms, each with their own distinct patterns and colors. The most common guppy varieties are highlighted in this article, which also serves as a guide for anyone wishing to select the best guppies for their aquarium.
Varieties of guppies by color
Every species has a selective ancestor. Numerous fish colors have been bred as a result of continuous crossing. There are numerous color subspecies in addition to monochromatic species. Proficient aquarists favor one-color subjects. Within a man-made reservoir, they appear more striking.
Fish colors are categorized as follows:
- Red. One of the representatives of the species is the Red Moscow Guppy. The body has a rich red color. The abdomen in the front part and the muzzle have a lighter shade.
- Orange. These include the Orange Filigree. The scales and veil have a dark mosaic pattern.
- Yellow. Among these representatives, one can single out the Endler Gold guppy. The individual has yellowish scales. If the individual is exposed to sunlight, the body begins to shimmer with a golden color.
- Green. A representative of this species is the Emerald or Emerald fish. The green body is covered with a mosaic pattern.
- Blue and light blue. This species includes the Blue Glass. The bluish-gray fish has spots of blue and greenish hues. Blue color is also present in the edging of the "skirt".
- Black. Among them, the Black Monk stands out. Its body is covered with black scales with a velvety blue tint.
- White. Among this species, the popular ones are Pearl white. Scales of fish have a shade of mother of pearl. Some varieties of the muzzle are darker.
- Leopard fish have yellow scales. There are dark spots against this background.
- Neon – the most beautiful representatives. Stand out among relatives with bright shades and castings.
These are the primary color-differentiated fish species. However, there is a great range of tones.
Classification in the form of fins and tail
Guppi’s tail feathers and individuality vary. It can have a variety of lengths and forms. The owners of the longest tails, for instance, have needle-high tails that can reach the length of the fish’s body.
The form of fins distinguishes the following classification:
- flag -tailed;
- acupuncture;
- Spear;
- valex;
- double sword;
- round -tailed;
- spatool;
- lyro -tailed;
- upper sword;
- lower sword;
- triangel (fan -tailed overlaid);
- fan -tailed;
- The fan -high is acute -angled.
When it comes to fins, every member of the spinal fish has a pronounced upward lift at the base.
Popular species
Even though there are many different species, the following guppy breeds are common and well-liked:
- Red blond is of great interest to aquarists. It reaches 4-5 cm in length. The bright red color of the tail is combined with a whitish body and a white head. Hence the name of the species. There are animals with golden, light and dark color inclusions.
- Among the representatives of guppies, the Blue Moscow stands out. The body of the fish is turquoise. And the scales shimmer with green and blue shades. Among the Moscow ones, there are animals with olive-colored spots. They are located on the back and muzzle.
- The Green Cobra also stands out. The body of the fish has a green tint with a gray shimmer. The scales resemble a cobra. In combination with spotted fins and tail, the guppy looks impressive. At the base of the head there is a spot in the form of a plaque.
- The Black Prince is popular. It has an interesting double coloring. The head and abdomen in the front part are silvery. Then it smoothly turns into a black shade. Females of this species have a paler shade, males look much brighter.
- A representative of the species of red color – the Red Dragon or Royal is also popular among aquarists. The fish has a bright red color. On the body there may be spots of a darker or lighter shade. The fish can have not only a red body, but also eyes.
- Of interest are Yellow German guppies. The color can have light shades or a rich lemon. Despite the name, representatives can also have a white body. It can prevail on the entire abdomen or on half.
- Endler"s guppy belongs to the leopard representatives. The color harmoniously combines shades of yellow and blue-gray. Males have a more saturated color. The fish differs from other representatives of guppies in its small size. On average, it reaches 3 cm.
- Tuxedo or tuxedo fish looks impressive in an aquarium. The body has a double color: the front part is white, the tail is black. The transition is clear. The color can have shades of red, yellow, green.
- A representative of the orange species is the Carnation, also popular among lovers of artificial reservoirs. Its body can have several shades: white, orange, dark. The tail part is bright orange, complemented by several rows of vertical black dots. In shape, it resembles the torn edges of a carnation.
- Despite the fact that the fish is expensive, the Elephant Ears guppy attracts aquarists. They earned their love thanks to their bright tail. The silver body with a bluish tint is crowned with a bright orange tail fin. It is diluted with black stripes. The shape of the tail is similar to an elephant"s ear, hence the name.
These are the most well-known guppies, but there are other beloved fish species as well. Expert breeders and aquarists use crossbreeding to produce superior guppies. They aim for larger sizes, distinct patterns, and more saturated colors. These delegates take part in international exhibits.
Type | Description |
Moscow Blue Guppy | Known for its vibrant blue color, this guppy is easy to care for and ideal for beginners. |
Endler"s Guppy | A smaller variety with bright, intricate patterns, perfect for smaller aquariums. |
Delta Tail Guppy | This guppy has a large, fan-shaped tail and comes in many color variations. |
Snakeskin Guppy | Features a unique, scale-like pattern on its body, resembling a snake"s skin. |
Half Black Guppy | Characterized by a body that"s half black and half brightly colored, creating a striking contrast. |
Among the most popular aquarium species are guppy fish, which are prized for their vivid colors and low maintenance requirements. With their vibrant behavior and eye-catching appearance, guppies provide endless enjoyment for both novice and seasoned aquarists.
There is a guppy to fit every taste thanks to the abundance of varieties. Every variety adds a distinct touch to an aquarium, rendering them an adaptable option for any kind of fish tank design.
You can design a stunning and lively aquatic environment by learning about the traits of the most common guppy species. A testament to the immense joy and beauty that small fish can bring to your aquarium are guppies.