Guppies are one of the best fish for beginning aquarist and are valued by experienced aquarists as well. They come in a variety of bright beautiful colors and shapes. They have a beautiful and attractive appearance that makes them highly desired and one of the best known fish.

Guppies are a popular community fish. They will usually not bother any fish that share their space, making them great for community tanks. Guppies will eat the fry of other species, however. They should not be kept with the young of other fish. Also, males may tend to get aggressive towards each other when breeding and fin nipping may occur. Guppies should not be kept with aggressive fin nippers, because they make easy targets. It has also been reported that some Guppies may attack similarly colored fish that are placed in their tank. Guppies should be kept in medium sized tanks with lots of vegetation and moderate rock decoration. They will tend to stay towards the top of an aquarium.

Guppies are known for their beautiful appearance. They have long trailing fins, which resemble skirts. Like the Koi and Goldfish, the Guppy is a show fish. They come in a variety of colors, from red to blue to black. Wild guppies will have a brownish gray appearance. At maturity, Guppies will reach a size of one to two and a half inches. Males will tend to be much brighter than females.

Guppies were originally found in South American countries, including Northern Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad. They were brought to London in the 1860's and were named after Robert John Lechmere Guppy, after he sent a pair to the British Museum. Their scientific name is Lebistes reticulatus.

Guppies are a hardy fish. They can survive in water temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be kept in water between 73 and 80 degrees. Their water should be slightly hard and alkaline, with a pH between seven and eight. They should be kept in slightly salty water, adding one tablespoon for every five gallons. Guppies should be fed micro worms, brine shrimp, insect larvae and fish fry. They will eat flake and freeze dried foods.

Guppies are relatively easy to breed. A few females should be kept for each male. Guppies are livebearers and will give birth to a batch of fry every few months. Females will have a triangular dark spot near their vent when breeding. Guppies should have plenty of vegetation to hide their fry in.