Guppy: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A colourful, hardy livebearer that suits beginners. Keep three or more in 10 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 10 gallons
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- Group size
- 3 or more
- Adult size
- 2 inTop of the tank
- Mixed-sex groups breed constantly. For no fry, keep males only.
- With females, keep two or three females per male.
Poecilia reticulata. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many guppies per tank size
The most you could keep if guppies were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Guppy, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 10+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Up to 5 | Plan this tank |
| 20 gallon | Up to 13 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 21 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 30 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 41 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 56 | Plan this tank |
What you need for guppies in a 10-gallon tank
A starting setup: 3 guppies in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
10-gallon tank
- These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 77°F.
- Guppies breed readily. Keep males only if you don't want fry.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.
Guppy tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with guppies, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: black skirt tetra, tiger barb, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around guppies
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderGuppy questions
What size tank does a guppy need?
At least 10 gallons for a group of 3. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many guppies can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?
Up to about 5 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do guppies need a heater?
Usually yes. Guppy does best at 72–82°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 10-gallon tank needs about 50 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with guppies?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, Endler's livebearers. They share a temperature range and temperament with guppies.