Editing Poecilia reticulata

{{Fish Data
|stub=No
|name=Guppy
|extra_common_names=Guppy, Fancy Guppy, Millions Fish, JAW Fish, Rainbow Fish
|species=Poecilia reticulata
|extra_scientific_names=Acanthophacelus guppii, Acanthophacelus reticulatus, Girardinus guppii, Girardinus reticulatus, Haridichthys reticulatus, Heterandria guppyi, Lebistes poecilioides, Lebistes poeciloides, Lebistes reticulatus, Poecilia reticulate, Poecilia reticulatus, Poecilioides reticulatus
|image=Male_Guppy.jpg
|caption=Male Fancy Guppy
|availability=VC
|habitat=South America
|family=Poeciliidae
|captive_bred=Yes
|difficulty=easy
|min_size=2
|max_size=2.5
|size_units=in
|stocking_ratio_male=1
|stocking_ratio_female=3
|diet=O
|food_flake=Yes
|food_pellet=Yes
|food_live=Yes
|food_other=Yes
|min_life_span=2
|max_life_span=4
|min_sg=1
|max_sg=1.026
|min_tank_size=10
|min_tank_size_unit=G
|min_ph=7.0
|max_ph=8.0
|min_temperature=68
|max_temperature=82
|temperature_units=F
|min_water_hardness=5
|max_water_hardness=20
}}

== Origin ==
:Native to Venezuela, Barbados, Trinidad, northern Brazil and the Guyanas but introduced into many other countries. While primarily a freshwater fish, it will survive in full strength seawater if acclimated carefully.

== Sexing ==
:Male guppies are much more colorful than females; in domesticated strains, they also have much longer fins than females. Aside from coloration, sex can also be determined by the presence of the [[gonopodium]] organ, a modified anal fin used to inseminate the female during mating. Mature females also have a dark [[gravid spot]] near their vent; if she is pregnant, the gravid spot will be a large, dark brown, or more commonly, black spot. If she is not pregnant, the gravid spot will be a smaller dot ranging in color from brown to yellow-orangish, depending on the individual fish. In some specimens, as pregnancy advances to the last few days before birth, the eyes of the fry may be visible in place of the gravid spot.

== Breeding ==
:Guppies are notoriously easy to breed and will inevitably reproduce if both sexes are present (hence the JAW - 'just add water' - name); even an all-female group can still become a breeding colony if the females had previously been exposed to males, as female guppies can store sperm from previous matings and use it to fertilize several subsequent broods.The gestation period typically lasts 3-4 weeks before relatively large fry are produced; the parents may eat the fry, and thus they are best moved to another tank of their own to be raised. If the fry are not going to be separated from the adults, it's a good idea to add large quantities of floating plants to the aquarium, as they will provide shelter and food for small fry (which hide near the surface when young). Pregnant females should '''not''' be put into a net breeder or trap shortly prior to giving birth, as this can stress them to the point that they abort the fry. Fry can be fed powdered fry food, baby brine shrimp, or microworms immediately and can reach maturity within two months under ideal conditions.

== Tank compatibility ==
:Guppies are very docile fish that can be mixed with a variety of hard water tolerant species. Fin nippers should be avoided with the fancy varieties, and large fish should likewise be avoided unless the guppies are intended to serve as a live food source; this is particularly important for the smaller wild type guppies. Male bettas regularly confuse fancy guppies for rival males and should not be mixed with them. Male guppies are constantly obsessed with reproduction, and females in the tank should outnumber males three to one or more to prevent them from being unduly harassed; female non-guppy livebearers may be similarly harassed.

== Diet ==
Guppies are omnivores and will eat virtually everything offered, from algae to flakes to small live foods. 

I. Natural Diet of Guppies:
A. Insects and Larvae:
1. Mosquito Larvae: Guppies are natural insectivores, and mosquito larvae are a favorite delicacy. 
2. Daphnia: Water fleas, or daphnia, are another excellent source of protein. They promote healthy digestion and enhance the vibrancy of guppy colors. 

B. Algae and Plant Matter:
1. Spirulina: This blue-green algae is a nutritious supplement, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Guppies can nibble on spirulina flakes or tablets to supplement their diet.
2. Blanched Vegetables: Guppies enjoy blanched vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and zucchini. Peas also have been reported to relieve constipation provide fiber, and promote overall digestive health.
II. Commercial Guppy Foods:
A. Flake Foods:
1. High-Quality Flake Foods: Specially formulated flake foods designed for guppies offer a balanced diet. Look for options with a high protein content and added vitamins.

B. Pellet Foods:
1. Micro Pellets: Tailored to the small mouths of guppies, micro pellets provide a well-rounded diet. Ensure they contain a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
2. Color-Enhancing Pellets: Some pellets are formulated to enhance guppy coloration. These often contain natural color enhancers like astaxanthin.

C. Freeze-Dried and Frozen Foods:
1. Bloodworms: Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms are a tasty treat that guppies love. They are high in protein and can be offered as an occasional supplement.

III. Live Foods:
A. Brine Shrimp:
1. Newly Hatched Brine Shrimp: An excellent source of protein, newly hatched brine shrimp are a favorite among guppies, especially fry.
2. Adult Brine Shrimp: Adult brine shrimp are suitable for adult guppies, offering a protein boost.

B. Vinegar Eels:
1. Nutrient-Rich Eels: Vinegar eels provide essential nutrients and are suitable for guppies of all ages. They can be cultured at home for a sustainable live food source.

== Feeding regime ==
:Guppies typically eat constantly in the wild and benefit from several small feedings throughout the day.

== Environment specifics ==
:Guppies are not overly picky about their tank layout as long as the water is reasonably hard and alkaline, though dense plant growth will improve fry survival rates. The long finned fancy varieties should not be kept with sharp ornaments that may snag on their fins. Many fancy varieties are infamously delicate and require excellent water quality; salt can be used to discourage illness in these fishes but will severely limit what plants can be kept with them.

== Notes ==
:Guppies have been extensively inbred to produce the fancy forms, and thus these fancy forms are often quite delicate; wild type guppies are much better beginner fishes but are harder to find. Feeder guppies (which are usually fancy guppy culls which revert to wild type coloration) are frequently diseased when purchased, but if nursed back to health are also markedly hardier than normal fancy guppies.



{{Categories
|Category=Fish, Beginners Fish, Fish (Brackish), Fish (Freshwater), Livebearers
}}
== Pictures ==
<gallery>
Image:Gupp2-6666.jpg|Male Guppy (Possible [[Endler]] Hybrid)
Image:Guppyendler-8371.jpg|Male Guppy (Possible [[Endler]] Hybrid)
Image:Femaleguppy-7779.jpg|Female Guppy
Image:Null-8877.jpg|A group of Guppies
Image:Guppy red male.jpg|Red male Guppy
Image:Poecilia reticulatablue-1101.jpg|Blue male Guppy
</gallery>

== Videos ==
{|
|-
|3rd International Guppy Show 2008:
|King Tiger Fancy Guppy:
|-
|<youtube>UvjYnb-ar5w</youtube>
|<youtube>JJE9Ah5nESQ</youtube>
|}

== Links ==
*{{FishBase |id=3228}}
*[http://www.world-guppy.de/ World Guppy Association]
*[http://www.ifga.org/ International Fancy Guppy Association]
*[http://www.showguppies.com/ Stephen Kwartler's Championship Show Guppies]
*[http://www.guppies.com/ Show Guppies]
*[[w:Image:Guppy-standards-grafik.svg|Guppy Form Standards]]
*[http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/guppy.htm Guppy Reading & Videos]
*[http://aquariumfishshop.com/fish/guppy Guppy Profile & Auctions]
*[http://www.guppies.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=36 Guppy Diseases]
*[http://www.wildpetexpert.com/what-do-guppies-eat/ What do guppies eat]