Poecilia reticulate

• Distribution: Northern Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad
• Length: Males up to 1.2in (3cm); females to 2.4in (6cm)
• Tank length: 12in (30cm)
• Diet: Worms, crustaceans, Insects, plant matter, dried food
• Water temperature: 72 to 83OF (22 to 28'C)
• Community tank: Fancy varieties may be harassed

The Guppy is probably the best known of all tropical aquarium fishes. In the 1 860s a few living pairs were sent to the British Museum in London by Robert John Lechmere Guppy, hence the popular name that is now used in all parts of the world. Until 1963 this fish was mostly known as Lebistes reticulatus.

Even specimens caught in the wild -particularly the males-show considerable variation in colour and pattern. The females have duller coloration. Since its introduction into the aquarium world, this small livebearer has been admired for its wide range of forms. This applies not only to the numerous colour variants, but also to a whole series of caudal fin variants, such as round tail, spadetail. Speartail, pintail, fantail, and many others. These various possibilities are now the preoccupation of enthusiasts who have established Guppy societies in many parts of the world.

Guppies are not difficult to keep with a certain amount of vegetation. The water should be medium-hard and slightly alkaline, but added salt is not necessary and is not always tolerated. After a gestation period of four to six weeks the female produces 20 to 100 live young. The fry should be kept in a separate tank and fed like young Mollies.