Guppy Tank Mates: Which Fish Get Along and Which to Avoid

Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater fish thanks to their bright colors, peaceful nature, and easy care requirements. But like any social creature, guppies do best when they have the right companions in their tank.

Choosing suitable tank mates is more than just picking other pretty fish—compatibility, temperament, and environmental needs all matter. Let’s explore which fish make good neighbors for guppies and which ones you should absolutely avoid.

What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Guppies?

Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand what guppies need in a companion.

Key Traits of a Good Tank Mate:

• Peaceful temperament: Guppies are gentle and don’t fare well with aggressive fish.

• Similar size: Fish that are too large might see guppies as food.

• Same water parameters: Guppies thrive in warm, slightly alkaline water (around 72–82°F and pH 6.8–7.8).

• Non-fin-nippers: Guppies have flowing tails that can be irresistible targets for more aggressive or curious fish.

If a potential tank mate doesn’t check these boxes, it's likely not a good fit.

Best Tank Mates for Guppies

1. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras are small, bottom-dwelling fish that mind their own business. They help keep the tank clean by scavenging leftover food and are peaceful by nature, making them excellent tank mates for guppies.

2. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are a favorite choice for guppy tanks. They’re colorful, small, and peaceful. They prefer to be in groups of six or more and will often stick together, adding a lively energy to the aquarium.

3. Mollies

Mollies are close relatives of guppies and share similar water preferences. They are slightly larger, but generally friendly. Just make sure the tank isn’t overcrowded, as mollies can get territorial in tight spaces.

4. Platies

Platies are colorful, hardy, and incredibly easygoing. They get along great with guppies and also thrive in the same water conditions. Like guppies, they are livebearers, so be ready for the possibility of baby fish!

5. Harlequin Rasboras

These peaceful schooling fish bring a lot of movement to a tank without bothering other species. They’re calm, friendly, and do well in a community setup with guppies.

6. Otocinclus Catfish (Otos)

If you’re looking for algae control, Otocinclus are a great pick. These tiny, peaceful fish spend their time eating algae and won’t compete with guppies for space or food.

Tank Mates to Avoid

1. Betta Fish

Bettas and guppies may look like a beautiful combo, but it's a bad match. Male bettas are often territorial and aggressive, especially toward colorful, flowing-finned fish like guppies.

2. Angelfish

Although angelfish can be peaceful when young, they become territorial and aggressive as they mature—especially in smaller tanks. They may also eat smaller fish, including guppies.

3. Tiger Barbs

Tiger barbs are notorious fin-nippers. Guppies’ long tails make them prime targets, and barbs can quickly stress or injure them.

4. Cichlids (Most Types)

While there are some exceptions, most cichlids (like Oscars or Jack Dempseys) are too aggressive and large to share a tank with guppies. They often see smaller fish as food.

5. Goldfish

This one surprises many people. While goldfish aren’t aggressive, they need different water temperatures and produce a lot of waste, which makes them incompatible with guppies. Plus, they may try to eat them if size allows.

Tips for a Peaceful Community Tank

Match Group Sizes

Many peaceful fish are schooling fish, meaning they need to be in groups of at least six to feel safe and behave normally. Keeping them in proper numbers helps reduce stress and aggression.

Provide Hiding Spaces

Plants, decorations, and caves allow fish to claim territory or hide if they feel stressed. This is especially important in mixed-community tanks, where some fish may be more dominant than others.

Monitor Tank Size

Overcrowding is one of the main causes of stress and aggression in aquariums. Always research the ideal tank size for your chosen fish. A 20-gallon tank is a good minimum for a guppy community.

Feed Evenly

Feeding all your fish at once and in different parts of the tank helps prevent food-related squabbles. Some fish, like corydoras, feed on the bottom, so sinking pellets or wafers work best for them.

Guppies are peaceful, social fish that thrive in well-planned community tanks. The key to keeping them happy is pairing them with other peaceful, similarly sized fish that share the same water requirements.

Stick to proven companions like tetras, corydoras, platies, and mollies, and avoid aggressive or overly active fish like bettas, tiger barbs, and cichlids.

With the right setup, your guppy tank can be a colorful, harmonious underwater world—full of life, but free from stress or conflict.

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