The Tiger Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a stunning and lively freshwater fish known for its bold orange and black striped tail, reminiscent of a tiger’s pattern. This variety is a selectively bred strain of the classic Guppy, combining vibrant coloration with ease of care—making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

🌿 Appearance and Behavior

Tiger Guppies are small, active swimmers, typically reaching 4–6 cm in length. Males display vivid patterns and elongated fins, while females are larger and more subdued in color. Their energetic, peaceful nature adds constant movement and visual interest to any community aquarium.

💧 Tank Requirements

Provide a well-filtered aquarium of at least 40 litres (10 gallons) with stable water conditions and gentle flow. These guppies appreciate planted tanks with open swimming areas and hiding spots created by driftwood or aquatic plants.
They thrive in a temperature range of 22–28°C and a pH between 6.8 and 7.8.

🍽️ Diet and Feeding

Tiger Guppies are omnivores, accepting a wide variety of foods. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and live brine shrimp to enhance their coloration and vitality.

🐣 Breeding

As livebearers, Tiger Guppies reproduce easily in captivity. Females give birth to fully formed fry approximately every 30 days. For beginners, this makes them an excellent introduction to freshwater fish breeding. To protect fry, provide floating plants or breeding boxes.

🤝 Tank Mates

Due to their peaceful disposition, Tiger Guppies coexist well with small, non-aggressive species such as Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, and other livebearers. Avoid housing them with fin-nippers or aggressive fish.

⚖️ Care Level

Tiger Guppies are highly adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. Their resilience makes them perfect for beginner aquarists learning about fishkeeping fundamentals like cycling, feeding, and maintenance.