Types of Guppy Fish: A Detailed Guide for Beginners

Guppy fish are small, colorful, and fun to watch. They are one of the most popular types of fish for beginners. There are many different types of guppy fish, each with its own unique colors and tail shapes. This guide will help you learn about the various types of guppy fish in detail and it will use simple, easy-to-read language.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Guppy Fish

Guppies are small freshwater fish that come from South America. They are named after Robert John Lechmere Guppy, who discovered them. Guppies are popular because they are easy to take care of and have vibrant colors. They are also very active and fun to watch. Guppies are livebearers, which means they give birth to live baby fish instead of laying eggs.

Type	Tail Shape	Colors	Special Features
Delta Tail Guppy	Wide and triangle-shaped	Any color, often multi-colored	Large tails compared to their bodies
Moscow Guppy	Various, often large and flowing	Blue, green, red, black	Vibrant, metallic colors
Endler’s Guppy	Smaller, less dramatic	Bright, neon-like	Smaller size, very active
Common Wild Guppy	Small and rounded	Grey with spots	Hardy and easy to care for
Tuxedo Guppy	Various, often rounded or fan-shaped	Two-toned: dark back, light front	Distinct “tuxedo” color pattern
Snakeskin Guppy	Long and flowing	Patterns like snake’s skin	Unique spotted and striped patterns
Albino Guppy	Various	White or light pink, red eyes	Lack of pigment, ghostly appearance
Lyretail Guppy	Long, split into two points	Any color, often bright	Elegant, lyre-shaped tail

Basic Care for Guppy Fish

Before we dive into the different types of guppies, let’s talk about how to care for them. Here are some basic care tips:

Tank Size: A small tank (5-10 gallons) is okay, but a larger tank (20 gallons or more) is better. Guppies like to have space to swim.
Water Temperature: Keep the water between 74-82°F (23-28°C). Use a heater to maintain a stable temperature.
Water Quality: Clean water is important. Use a filter and change part of the water every week.
Feeding: Feed your guppies a variety of foods, including fish flakes, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day.
Tank Mates: Guppies are peaceful fish. They get along well with other peaceful fish like tetras, mollies, and platies.

Types of Guppy Fish

Now, let’s explore the different types of guppy fish. We will look at their tail shapes, colors, and special features.

Fancy Guppies

Fancy guppies are known for their bright colors and beautiful tails. They come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some common types of fancy guppies:

1. Delta Tail Guppy

Tail Shape: The tail is wide and triangle-shaped, similar to the Greek letter delta (Δ).
Colors: Delta tail guppies can be any color. They often have a mix of several colors.
Special Feature: Their tails are very large compared to their bodies, making them look very elegant.

Delta tail guppies are a favorite among fish keepers because of their stunning tails. The wide, triangular shape of the tail flows gracefully as they swim. These guppies come in various colors, including red, blue, green, and yellow. Some delta tail guppies even have patterns like spots or stripes. Their large tails make them look like little underwater kites.

2. Moscow Guppy

Tail Shape: Moscow guppies can have different tail shapes. Their tails are often large and flowing.
Colors: They are usually blue or green but can also be red or black.
Special Feature: Moscow guppies are known for their vibrant, metallic colors.

Moscow guppies are named after the city of Moscow in Russia. They are famous for their bright, metallic colors that shimmer in the light. These guppies can have tails that are delta-shaped, fan-shaped, or even sword-shaped. The most common colors are blue and green, but you can also find red and black Moscow guppies. Their metallic sheen makes them stand out in any aquarium.

3. Endler’s Guppy

Tail Shape: Endler’s guppies have smaller tails compared to other fancy guppies.
Colors: They have bright, neon-like colors and often have patterns.
Special Feature: They are smaller and more active, making them fun to watch.

Endler’s guppies are a unique type of guppy. They are smaller than most other guppies and are very active swimmers. Their bright colors include neon shades of green, orange, and yellow. Endler’s guppies often have patterns like spots or bars. Because of their small size and energetic nature, they are a joy to watch as they dart around the tank.

Hybrid Guppies

Hybrid guppies are a mix between different types of guppies. Breeders create them to get the best traits from each parent.

5. Tuxedo Guppy

Tail Shape: Tuxedo guppies can have various tail shapes, often rounded or slightly fan-shaped.
Colors: They usually have two-toned colors, with a dark color on the back half and a lighter color on the front.
Special Feature: Tuxedo guppies are named for their “tuxedo” appearance with distinct color divisions.

Tuxedo guppies are named because their colors look like a tuxedo suit. The back half of their body is usually dark, like black or blue, while the front half is a lighter color, like white or yellow. This gives them a sharp, elegant look. Tuxedo guppies can have different tail shapes, but their unique color pattern is what makes them special.

6. Snakeskin Guppy

Tail Shape: Snakeskin guppies have long, flowing tails.
Colors: They usually have a pattern that looks like a snake’s skin, with spots and stripes.
Special Feature: The unique pattern makes them stand out in any aquarium.

Snakeskin guppies are easily recognized by their intricate patterns. Their bodies and tails are covered in spots and stripes that resemble a snake’s skin. These patterns can be in different colors, like red, orange, blue, or green. Snakeskin guppies often have long, flowing tails that add to their striking appearance. They are a favorite among fish keepers who enjoy unique and exotic fish.

Special Guppies

Some guppies have special traits that make them unique.

7. Albino Guppy

Tail Shape: Albino guppies can have any tail shape.
Colors: They are usually white or very light pink, with red eyes.
Special Feature: Albino guppies lack pigment, giving them a ghostly appearance.

Albino guppies are unique because they lack the pigment that gives most guppies their color. Instead, they are white or very light pink. Their red eyes are a result of their lack of pigment. Albino guppies can have any tail shape, but their pale color and red eyes make them easy to identify. They are delicate and need clean water to stay healthy.

8. Lyretail Guppy

Tail Shape: Lyretail guppies have long tails that split into two points, like a lyre (a musical instrument).
Colors: They can be any color, often very bright.
Special Feature: The lyre-shaped tail is very elegant and eye-catching.

Lyretail guppies have one of the most distinctive tail shapes. Their tails are long and split into two points, making them look like a lyre. This unique tail shape makes them very elegant. Lyretail guppies come in various colors, and their bright tails flow gracefully as they swim. They are a popular choice for aquariums because of their striking appearance.

Wild Guppies

Wild guppies are the types you might find in nature. They are not as colorful as fancy guppies but still beautiful in their own way.

4. Common Wild Guppy

Tail Shape: Wild guppies have small, rounded tails.
Colors: They are usually grey with spots of color.
Special Feature: Wild guppies are hardy and easy to care for.

Common wild guppies are the ancestors of the fancy guppies we see today. They live in freshwater streams and rivers in South America. Wild guppies have smaller, less colorful tails compared to fancy guppies. They are usually grey or brown with spots of color on their bodies. Despite their simpler appearance, wild guppies are very hardy and can adapt to different water conditions. This makes them easy to care for and a good choice for beginners.

Care Tips for Guppies

Taking care of guppies is easy if you follow some simple tips:

Choose the Right Tank: Start with at least a 10-gallon tank. Bigger is better because guppies like to swim around. Make sure your tank has a lid because guppies can jump out.
Maintain Water Quality: Use a filter to keep the water clean. Change about 25% of the water every week to keep it fresh. Test the water regularly to ensure the pH is between 7.0 and 7.8.
Temperature Control: Keep the water temperature between 74-82°F (23-28°C). Use a heater to maintain a stable temperature. Guppies are tropical fish and need warm water to thrive.
Feed Properly: Feed your guppies a balanced diet. Use high-quality fish flakes as the main food. You can also give them live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia for variety. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day.
Provide Hiding Spots: Guppies like to have places to hide. Use plants, rocks, and decorations to create hiding spots in the tank. This makes them feel safe and reduces stress.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the tank. A good rule is one gallon of water per inch of fish. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality and stress.
Monitor for Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of disease, like white spots, clamped fins, or unusual behavior. If you notice any of these signs, isolate the sick fish and treat the tank with appropriate medication.

Breeding Guppies

Breeding guppies is easy because they are livebearers. Here are some tips for breeding guppies:

Set Up a Breeding Tank: Use a separate tank for breeding. A 10-gallon tank is a good size. Include lots of plants for the babies to hide in.
Choose Healthy Parents: Select healthy, vibrant guppies for breeding. The males are usually more colorful, while the females are larger.
Introduce the Pair: Place a male and a female in the breeding tank. The male will court the female by displaying his colors and fins.
Watch for Pregnancy: The female will become pregnant if she accepts the male. You will see a dark spot near her rear fin, called a gravid spot. She will become rounder as the babies grow inside her.
Prepare for Birth: After about 4 weeks, the female will give birth to live baby guppies, called fry. She can give birth to 20-100 fry at a time.
Separate the Fry: Remove the female after she gives birth to prevent her from eating the fry. Feed the fry with special fry food or crushed fish flakes.
Care for the Fry: Keep the water clean and feed the fry several times a day. They will grow quickly and can be moved to the main tank after a few weeks.

Conclusion

Guppies are wonderful fish that come in many shapes and colors. Whether you choose a fancy guppy with a big, beautiful tail or a simple wild guppy, they will add life and color to your aquarium. Remember to take good care of them, and they will thrive in their new home. By providing the right environment and care, you can enjoy the beauty and activity of these delightful fish for many years.