Guppies and tetras are arguably among the most common choices for aquarists. Not only are they affordable and easy to find, but they are also beautiful and low maintenance.
However, not many understand whether these two types of fish can live in peace within the same tank.
So, can guppies live with tetras? Check out the answer by scrolling down!
Contents
Can Guppies Live With Tetras?
Yes. Generally speaking, both guppies and tetras are known for their calm temperament.
While they can get slightly hostile, this level of aggressiveness only happens when male individuals do not have enough females to mate. Otherwise, guppies and tetras get along well with each other and with other animals in the community tank.
That said, you should not rule out the possibility of guppies and tetras getting combative at one another. This may be caused by unfavorable water conditions, a lack of resources, and even limited personal space.
Essential Knowledge About Guppies
Temperament
Guppies are considered among the most peaceful fish you can get in a tank. They prefer traveling in school and enjoy the fun of being surrounded by others. Thus, it makes sense that guppies tend not to cause trouble or provoke a fight.
Their demeanors even lead to them being picked on by more aggressive fish since their elongated tails attract fin nippers.
If you ever spot guppies fighting others, it certainly happens during mating seasons. When there is a lack of female counterparts, male guppies will try to eliminate their rivals.
To minimize this occurrence, you should have 2 female guppies for every male guppy.
Diet
Guppies prefer being fed with both protein-based and plan-based food. Mixing live bait, food pellets, and frozen food is the best way to diversify their food intake.
While guppies can munch on plants inside the tank, you can also provide extra plant matter by cooking small peas or cucumber slices.
Tank requirements
Guppies originate from Southern America, where freshwater streams are rampant. Nevertheless, they can also be found in brackish water, albeit not as common.
These bodies of water have dense vegetation, which explains why guppies thrive on tanks full of plants.
Recommended choices include java moss, java fern, and Anubis nana. Adding artificial playgrounds such as rocks or driftwood is another way to replicate the home-like feeling for your fish.
Furthermore, you should also pay attention to the currents. Guppies prefer the gentle flows and do not enjoy being flushed around. The ideal temperature range for them should be between 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the best pH level must fall between 7 and 7.5.
Important Notes About Tetras
Temperament
Similar to guppies, tetras are highly tolerant and easy to live with. In most cases, they lurk around and stay in their hiding places. Unless provoked, tetras do not get hostile, either with fish within the same school or others.
However, when the resources become dire and their stress level spikes, tetras can end up being nasty fin nippers. Aquarists are recommended to provide tetras with plenty of space to prevent them from getting worked up.
Diet
Tetras are not picky when it comes to food. As an omnivore, they can devour both plants and meat. Consider feeding them with small insects and worms if live food is highly accessible for you.
Otherwise, food pellets and fish flakes will suffice.
But there is one thing to be wary of here. Tetras cannot control their appetite, which means they will eat whenever they are fed. Thus, keep your feeding frequency to twice a day, so they do not get constipated.
Tank requirements
Tetras come from the murky rivers and streams in Southern America. They are freshwater fish and adapt incredibly well to anywhere slightly muddy and dark.
To recreate this habitat, consider adding a bit of tannin inside the water tank. Another approach is to put in leaves and driftwood, which mimics the natural environment of tetras.
Inside the tank, feel free to add fake and live plants, rocks, tree roots, substrates, etc. These help tetras to familiarize themselves with the tank, thus increasing their livelihoods.
As for the tank itself, a capacity of at least 15 gallons is a must. With a pH level of roughly 6.5 and a temperature ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your tetras should be able to survive and thrive.
FAQs
1. How many guppies and tetras to keep within the same tank?
Most experts agree that each 1-inch fish must be assigned to at least 2 gallons of water. By that logic, a standard 10-gallon fish should not contain more than 5 individuals from both species.
However, depending on the size of your fish and how dense the tank is, you can adjust the number.
2. Will tetras eat guppy fry?
Guppies give birth to fry, which tends not to survive until adulthood. That is not to mention how fast tetras swim and how hungry they can be. Therefore, the chances of tetras eating guppy fry are high.
But still, this is not an entirely negative thing. Since guppies breed regularly, having tetras in the same tank provides a way to control the guppy’s population.
3. Besides guppies, what fish can live with tetras?
Tetras can live with basically all types of fish, as long as they are relatively the same size. Anything from bettas, angelfish, and rasboras to mollies and danios will suffice. They can even share the same space with tiny shrimps and other peaceful animals.
Conclusion
Now that you have finished this article, “Can guppies live with tetras?” should no longer bother you.
If the conditions are favorable, they will make excellent tank mates. Thus, make sure to pay attention to your tank and prevent conflicts between these two species!
Alex is a pet freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which was where he first got some experience in animal nutrition. After graduating from University, Alex began sharing his knowledge as a freelance writer specializing in pets.
