Guppy
Common Names: Fancy Tail Guppy, Rainbow fish, Millions fish
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperature Range: 66 - 84°F
pH Range: 7 - 8.5
Water hardness: Moderate - Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Central America
Aquarium Setup:
Since guppies require moderate to hard water, one tablespoon of salt for each five gallons of water should be added if you have very soft water.
Guppies prefer dark graveled tank bottoms and lots of leafy plants are needed to protect the young from being eaten. A female may also retreat to the plants when it’s time to give birth.
Diet:
Adding variety to a guppies diet will actually help in enhancing their colors. Foods such as tropical flakes, live insects and freeze dried foods can be used. They are also quite fond of plant matter.
Tank Mates/Community:
Guppies are peaceful fish that can get along with almost any other type of fish. However, they should be kept with fish of the same size range, large fish will often eat guppies.
Behavior:
Guppies are usually peaceful fish, but some will exhibit aggressive tendencies and they will chase other fish around the tank. Some will also tend to be fin nippers, so any fish with long flowing fins should be carefully watched for any injuries.
Color:
Male guppies can have almost any color variations, from red, yellow, blue, black, gold and green. They are 
much more colorful than the females which are usually a plain color such as gray or brown. Occasionally though, females can have some brighter color variations.
Breeding:
Little effort is needed to breed guppies, the females seem to almost stay pregnant. To relieve stress on one female, there should be at least 2 or 3 for each male. Both males and females will eat the fry, so plenty of plant life is needed for the young to hide in.
Guppies are able to start breeding when they are only three months old! They are livebearers with a gestation period of between four and six weeks. Each female can give birth to between 20 and 100 young at one time, however around 30 is more the norm.
Interesting Notes:
Female guppies can actually store sperm for several months for later use! Females can continue to produce several broods long after the male has been removed from the tank. It’s a process called superfoetation!
