June 14

Sarah Robertson

The Neon Guppies: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Fish

The Neon Guppy, also known as Poecilia reticulata, is a brightly-colored freshwater fish that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. The Neon Guppy Fish features fluorescent colors including shades of violet, blue, and green on its body, tail, fins, and dorsal. It is entrancing under both day and night light conditions. Neon guppies stand out among other fish because of their vibrant and beautiful colors. The only difference between these guppies and other guppies is their appearance; everything else about them—including how to care for them—is the same. Neon Guppies usually have an average size and swim quickly. Although they are easily available, their high price tag results in low demand. Watching them swim, however, is a delightful experience.

Neon Guppies are native to South America but have since been introduced to different habitats and are now present all over the world. They are hardy fish that can endure in many different ecosystems and habitats. Brackish water, which is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, is their preferred type of habitat. This water has a salt concentration that is higher than fresh water, but not as high as seawater. These guppies typically dine on worms, larvae, bloodworms, and other tiny insects in the wild. However, in captivity, they will accept most kinds of fish food including flakes, pellets, and live foods. This Neon Guppy Fish is a peaceful community fish that is well-suited for beginners. It is important to keep them in a group because they are social creatures that thrive in the company of their own kind. 

If you wish to keep Neon guppies in your aquarium, it is important to note that they are livebearers. This means that they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. To learn more about these beautiful fish, continue reading our comprehensive guide.

Quick Facts About Neon Guppy

  • Scientific Name: Poecilia Reticullata
  • Caring: Easy
  • Nature: Peaceful
  • Color: Neon Colors
  • Lifespan: Up to 2-3 years
  • Size: 0.6 – 1.4 inches (Male)
             
    1.2 – 2.4 inches (Female)
  • Diet Type: Omnivores
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Tank Size: For 3 Fish 5 gallons
  • Temperature: 21 – 28 Deg C / 72 – 82 Deg F
  • Water chemistry: pH 6.8 to 7.5 –. Although water chemistry is not critical for these fish, they prefer slightly acidic water. Salt is optional, only some, not all wild guppies live in brackish conditions.
  • Tank Set-Up: Freshwater, plants, and substrate
  • Compatibility: Other peaceful community fish
Neon guppies

Neon Guppies Care 

To keep your Neon guppies healthy, it is important to provide them with the proper care. They are relatively easy to care for and make a great choice for beginner fish keepers.

To keep them healthy, it is important to provide them with a high-quality diet and clean water. They are hardy fish, but like all creatures, they can become sick if their environment is not well maintained. A good rule of thumb is to do a 25% water change every week and to clean the tank filters monthly.

When it comes to their diet, Neon guppies are omnivores. In captivity, they will accept most kinds of fish food including flakes, pellets, and live foods. It is important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter.

If you are looking for a peaceful community fish, the Neon guppy is a great choice. They get along well with other peaceful fish and make a beautiful addition to any aquarium. If you are thinking about adding these beautiful fish to your aquarium, be sure to do your research and provide them with the proper care.

Neon Guppies Size

Neon Guppies are a popular choice for home aquariums because they're small and have an elongated body. They stand out due to their vibrant colors and short dimensions.

Male guppies are 0.6 to 1.4 inches long and female guppies are 1.2 to 2.4 inches long, so you can easily tell them apart by size alone. Some of the factors that affect their size include the quality of their diet and the environment in which they're raised.

Neon Guppies Lifespan

Neon Guppy fish typically live for about 2 years. Although, if guppy fish are given the proper care and maintain a healthy tank, they can live for up to three years. Their lifespan is relatively short when compared to other freshwater fish.

Some of the things that can shorten their lifespan include poor water quality, insufficient diet, and disease. To help your guppy fish live a long and healthy life, be sure to provide them with the proper care.

Neon Guppies Appearance

Neon Guppies are one of the most popular aquarium fish because of their vibrant neon colors and beautiful patterns. They have long, slender bodies with a small head. Male guppies are usually more brightly colored than females and have longer fins.

These fish come in fluorescent coloration in shades of violet, blue and green on their body, tail, fins and dorsal. No two Neon guppies are exactly alike, which is part of their appeal. They are a beautiful addition to any aquarium.

Here are some of the popular varieties of Neon guppies:

  • Neon Blue Guppies
  • Green Neon Guppies
  • Red Neon Guppies
  • Black Neon Guppies
  • Yellow Neon Guppies

As the names suggest, each variety has a different Neon color. The fins might also have some patterns or stripes. For instance, the Red Neon Guppy has red fins with black and white stripes.

Guppies are born with drab colors, but they start to develop their vibrant colors as they reach adulthood. The neon-colored pigmentation of its body reflects light, resulting in the 'neon' effect. Therefore they look amazing under aquarium lights.

Sexual Dimorphism

Just by looking at a Neon guppy, it can be difficult to determine its gender. However, there are some physical differences that can help you tell them apart. When these fish reaches sexual maturity, males and females start to develop some distinctive characteristics.

Neon Male guppies have the following characteristics:

  • Slightly smaller in size when compared to females
  • Long and flowing fins
  • Slimmer in length
  • Vibrant bright colors
  • Attractive tail patterns
  • Anal fin is modified into a gonopodium

While female Neon guppies have the following characteristics:

  • Relatively larger in size when compared to males
  • Short fins
  • Longer and bulkier body
  • Have pale colors
  • Large abdomen with dark gravid spot
  • Eggs also clearly visible in pregnant females
Neon guppies

Neon Guppies Behavior

Neon guppies are peaceful community fish that do well with other peaceful fish. They are relatively active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment. Guppies are known to be social fish, so they do best when kept in groups.

Males tend to be more active than females and are always on the lookout for mates. They will often chase after the females and try to impress them with their vibrant colors and beautiful tail patterns.

They are not known to be aggressive, but males can sometimes harass females if they are not kept in a large enough tank. If you see any aggression, it is best to remove the aggressor from the tank. They don't bother plants or other decorations in the tank. Though they move around a lot, they are not known to be jumpers. Mostly they stay close to the bottom of the tank. If there are live plants or other hiding places in the tank, they will often stay close to these.

Neon Guppies Food & Diet

Neon Guppies are known to enjoy various types of food, including live, artificial and frozen options. Due to the size of their mouths and stomachs, it is best if their meals are small in size. Our recommendation is that you feed your pets 2-3 times a day with an amount that they can finish in 3 minutes.

Some of the good food options for Neon Guppies include the following:

  • Neon guppies particularly like live food, such as blood worms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and corethra.
  • Neon guppies enjoy consuming artificial flakes, pellets, and other well-known packaged foods.
  • Foods that can be frozen and given to Neon guppies include vegetables, fruits, and other packaged foods. It is said that vegetables and fruits are a very healthy source of feed for guppies and increase their immunity.

After feeding your Neon guppies, it is important to remove any uneaten food from the tank as this can pollute the water and cause health problems for your fish. So, always keep an eye on the amount of food you are giving them and remove any excess food.

Neon Guppies Tank Mates

Neon Guppies are gentle fish that live peacefully with other fish and don't bother them. Neon Guppies get along well with other non-aggressive fish that are similar in size. Neon Guppies are known to be very social fish, so it's a good idea to keep them in groups of at least 3-5 fish.

Some good tank mates for Neon Guppies include:

  • Dwarf Gourami
  • Harlequin Rasbora
  • Mollies
  • Platy
  • Cherry Barb
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow
  • Bristle-nose Pleco

Neon Guppies should not be kept with large fishes such as Green Terror, Tiger Barb, Tetra Fish, Angelfish, and Jack Dempsey that may harm them. They should be closely observed in a community tank to make sure that they are not being harassed by other fish.

Neon guppies

Neon Guppies Tank Setup

When setting up a Neon guppy tank, it is important to provide them with the proper environment. While setting up the tank, keep in mind that Neon guppies are social creatures that need to be kept in groups. It is recommended to have at least 3-5 Neon guppies in a tank. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places and vegetation. Here are a few things you need to consider when setting up a Neon guppy tank:

Neon Guppy Tank Size

You only need a 5-gallon tank to house 3 Neon Guppies; these small fish don't require much space. Depending on how many fish you want to keep, you will need to adjust the size of your tank. If you plan on having more than three fish, make sure to get a bigger tank. It's crucial to remember that these fish are social animals and will do best when kept in groups.

Ideal Water Temperature For Neon Guppy Fish

Neon Guppies are tropical fish that prefer warmer water. The temperature is vital to guppies as it has an inverse relationship with the fish's metabolism rate. So a significant increase in aquarium tank temperature will shorten the lifespan of guppies. Gestation periods will become shorter, and new babies will be born with less immunity to diseases.

Lowering the aquarium tank temperature will result in larger guppies with longer lifespans. Although they are prone to getting ill. Though babies born may be larger in size, they will suffer from worse health conditions later on in life. So maintaining a stable temperature is crucial to keeping guppies healthy and thriving. The perfect temperature for guppies to survive and thrive is between 21 to 28°С (72 to 82°F). By installing a heater in their fish tank, you can provide them with a comfortable and healthy warmer climate.

Ideal pH Levels For Neon Guppies

Neon Guppies are among the hardiest fish, able to withstand different pH levels. They prefer water that is neither too soft nor too acidic. The ideal pH level for guppies is 7 to 8. Keeping the Best pH levels is crucial for your guppies' health and well-being.

pH levels that are too high or low can cause health problems for your guppies. High pH levels can cause gill damage, while low pH levels can lead to skin irritation and disease. It is important to test your water regularly and make sure it is within the ideal range for neon guppies.

Substrate

Neon Guppies are not picky when it comes to the substrate. They can live in both sand and gravel tanks. However, it is important to choose a substrate that is not too rough. Sharp gravel can damage their delicate fins. In a breeding tank, it is better not to have any substrate at all as it can be hard to clean and remove the fry from the gravel.

Plants 

Neon Guppies are not known to eat plants, so you don't need to worry about them destroying your aquarium plants. In fact, they actually benefit from having plants in their tank. Plants help to create a natural environment for your fish and provide them with hiding places. They also help to oxygenate the water and keep the water temperature stable.

Some of the best plants for Neon Guppies are:

  • Anacharis
  • Hornwort
  • Java Fern
  • Water Sprite

Filtration

As Neon Guppies are small fish, they produce a lot of waste. It is important to have a good filtration system in their tank to remove the waste and keep the water clean. The filter you choose will depend on the size of your tank. A hang-on-back filter or canister filter is a good option for Neon Guppy tanks.

You should also consider getting a water filter that has a built-in UV sterilizer. This will help to keep the water free of harmful bacteria and parasites.

Neon Guppies are also known to be messy eaters, so it's a good idea to have a filter that will remove any uneaten food from the water.

Water Changes 

Neon Guppies are very sensitive to water quality. It is important to do regular water changes to keep the water clean and free of toxins. Water changes also help to keep the nitrate levels low, which is important for the health of your fish.

You should aim to do a water change of at least 20% every week. If you have a larger tank, you may need to do two water changes per week.

When doing a water change, it is important to use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and other chemicals from the tap water. These chemicals can be harmful to your fish.

Lighting

Neon Guppies do not need special lighting. They can live in both low and high light tanks. However, it is important to provide them with some form of light so that they can see their food.

If you have plants in your Neon Guppy tank, then you will need to provide them with enough light to grow. Neon guppies look great both during the day and at night under artificial lighting.

Decorations

It is important to provide them with some hiding places. Plants, rocks, and Driftwood all make great hiding places for Neon Guppies.

Some people also like to add caves and tunnels to their Neon Guppy tanks. These can be made out of ceramic pots or PVC pipes. If they feel threatened, Neon Guppies will often hide in these caves and tunnels.

If you set up your Neon Guppy tank according to the proper instructions, your fish will be happy and healthy.

Neon guppies

Neon Guppies Breeding

Neon Guppies are a great choice for beginners since they don't require much care and are easy to breed. A single male guppy can mate with 3 to 5 females. Mating is often done more than once in order to create offspring that are healthier and have stronger immunity.

Neon guppies reproduce by giving birth to live young, rather than laying eggs. It's easy to breed this fish, in fact, it can be difficult to make them stop reproducing! Females Neon guppies are nearly always pregnant and can store sperm for up to six months. She will also give birth to 10-40 fry every 4-6 weeks.

Here is the breeding procedure for Neon Guppies:

  • First, you'll need to set up a breeding tank. The tank should be at least 10 gallons and should have plenty of hiding places for the fry (baby fish). You can use live plants or plastic plants for this purpose.
  • Next, you'll need to choose your breeding stock. Select 3-5 healthy female guppies and 1 male guppy. The male should have long fins and be brightly colored. Once you've chosen your breeding stock, it's time to set up the tank. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water and add a filter. You can also add an air stone to help oxygenate the water.
  • Now, it's time to add your fish. Add the female guppies first and then add the male. He will probably start chasing the females immediately! Once the fish are in the tank, they will start breeding on their own. The female will give birth to live fry every 4-6 weeks. Depending on the size of the tank, you may need to remove some of the fry (baby fish) to another tank. To care for the fry, you'll need to provide them with food that is small enough for them to eat. You can purchase special fry food at your local pet store or you can grind up regular flake food into a powder.

Neon Guppies Fry 

The best way to have a lot of healthy fry is to set up a breeding tank. Although a few guppy fry can survive in a typical community aquarium, if you want to ensure that more of them live, then use a separate tank for them to mature. A simple 10-gallon tank is all that would be necessary. A sponge filter protects the fry from being pulled in and also aerates the water. If you're just starting to feed your fry, start by feeding them liquefy for a few days. Once they get used to that, move on up to crushed flake food. Adding baby brine shrimp to your tank would also be beneficial. Keep tanks for fry very clean, as they are more susceptible to pollutants than adult fish. Do a small water change every day and remove any faeces or dead fry immediately.

Neon Guppies Diseases

Neon guppies are generally hardy fish, but they are still susceptible to disease. The most common diseases that affect this fish include:

Ich

The most prevalent issue among fishkeepers is white spot diseases, colloquially known as white spot ailments. Ich, while treatable, can be deadly if left untreated. It is caused by an ectoparasite (ciliate protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) and is visible to the naked eye. The fish start to scour their skin against rocks, plant leaves, decorations, or the aquarium's sides. Additionally, they may lose their appetite. You may notice small white spots on your fish's skin and fins. While there are many treatments for ich available on the market, you can also use a more natural method like aquarium salt.

Fin rot

Fin rot is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the fins of fish, and is typically brought on by either injuries or sub-par water quality. Fish affected by fin rot often have tattered or ripped fins. If left untreated, fin rot can be fatal. Though you can medicate fin rot, it's better to proactively prevent it via water quality maintenance and injury prevention.

Velvet 

Velvet is a type of parasite that affects the skin and gills of fish. It can often be mistaken for ich, but there are some key differences between the two. Velvet is more difficult to spot than ich, and usually only affects one side of the fish. The fish affected by velvet disease may have respiratory problems and will commonly hide. Without treatment, velvet can be deadly. Before adding any new fish to your aquarium, it's best to quarantine them first. Doing so will help prevent the spread of velvet, a disease that can be treated with medication but is difficult to cure.

Columnaris

This illness, which appears to be a fungus, is in fact caused by bacteria. The colony of germs typically flourishes on the fish's mouth or middle third of the body, appearing as a large white splodge. The disease slowly paralyzes the fish's muscles, making it difficult for them to swim. Loss of appetite is another common symptom of this illness. This illness is spread easily between guppies, and though it mostly affects females, males can also develop the infection if left untreated. This disease can kill every fish in a tank. So, if you see one fish affected by columnaris, be sure to remove all the other fish in the tank and treat them separately. There are many medications available to treat this disease, but the most effective way to prevent it is by maintaining good water quality.

Dropsy

Dropsy is an inflammatory disease of the liver or kidney that prevents the abdomen from expelling fluid. After becoming infected, the fish's body swells and changes color. In some cases, the fish's scales change form, resembling pine cones. If a fish's belly becomes bloated, it might have trouble swimming. An enlarged stomach can also result from an overabundance of fluid in the colon. The causes of this could potentially be water pollution, a genetic disorder, or even something as simple as an unbalanced diet. Overfeeding on blood worms or prolonged periods of high stress could also lead to dropsy.

Popped eye

The popped eye is a condition in fish where the eyes bulge out of their sockets. There are many potential causes for it, such as injuries, tumors, or infections. If the cause is an infection, other symptoms often present themselves as well, such as cloudy eyes, ulcers, or sores. It is exceedingly difficult to provide an adequate cure without first knowing the root of the problem. If you're not careful, different treatments might unintentionally do more harm than good.

If you suspect any symptoms of disease in your guppy, it's best to quarantine the affected fish and consult a veterinarian specializing in fish. They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and provide you with a course of treatment.

Ways to Prevent Disease in Neon Guppies

It is always better to prevent disease rather than to treat it, and there are many things you can do to keep your neon guppy healthy. Here are some of them:

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment. This means regularly changing the water, keeping the tank free of debris, and using a filter.

Add only healthy fish to your tank, and quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.

Avoiding overfeeding, as this can lead to a build-up of toxins in the water.

Providing your fish with a varied and nutritious diet. This will help boost their immune system and make them less susceptible to disease.

Use a UV sterilizer to keep the water free of bacteria and parasites. Regularly check your fish for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if you suspect any diseases.

Avoid overcrowding the tank, as this can lead to increased stress levels and make the fish more susceptible to disease.

Prevent injuries by using a soft, sandy substrate and avoiding sharp objects in the tank. Also, choose tankmates that are not aggressive and won't harass your fish.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Neon guppies healthy and disease-free.

Neon guppies

FAQ

Can Neons and Guppies Live Together?

Neon Tetra and Guppies are two of the most popular freshwater fish kept by hobbyists. They are both brightly colored, relatively easy to care for, and can add a lot of visual interest to a fish tank. But can these two fish live together peacefully?

The short answer is yes, Neon Tetras and Guppies can live together without any problems. These two species are not known to be aggressive toward each other and have very different dietary needs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when keeping these two fish together.

The first thing to consider is the size of your fish tank. Neon Tetras only grow to be about 1-2 inches long, while Guppies can reach up to 3 inches in length. As a result, you will need at least a 10-gallon fish tank if you want to keep these two species together.

Another thing to consider is the diet of these two fish. Neon Tetras are omnivorous just like guppies and will eat just about anything. As a result, you will need to provide a varied diet for both species of fish.

If you can provide a large enough tank and a nutritious diet, then Neon Tetras and Guppies can live together peacefully. Just be sure to keep an eye on your fish and make sure that they are getting along.

How Big Do Neon Guppies Get? 

Neon Guppies are small species of fish that only grow to be about 2-3 inches in length. However, they are a very popular fish due to their vibrant colors and easy care requirements.

Despite their small size, Neon Guppies are still relatively active fish that needs plenty of space to swim.

What Fish Can Live With Neon Guppies?

Neon Guppies are a peaceful species of fish that can be kept with a wide variety of tankmates. Some good options for Neon Guppy tankmates include other small peaceful fish like Tetras, Rasboras, and Corydoras catfish.

Just be sure to avoid any fish that are too large or aggressive, as they may bully or eat your Neon Guppies. Also, avoid keeping Neon Guppies with goldfish as they have different care requirements and will likely outcompete the Guppies for food.

With proper care, Neon Guppies can make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. Just be sure to do your research and choose the right tankmates to ensure a happy and healthy environment for all your fish.

What is the Best Food for Neon Guppies?

Neon Guppies are omnivorous, which means that they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.

In the aquarium, Neon Guppies should be given a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Some good options for Neon Guppy food include live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and algae wafers.

It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with fresh vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or lettuce. This will help ensure that your Neon Guppies are getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

How Often Should I Feed My Neon, Guppy?

Neon Guppies should be fed 2-3 times per day. However, they should only be given as much food as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.

Overfeeding can lead to a number of problems like water quality issues and obesity. As a result, it is important to only feed your Neon Guppies as much as they can eat in one sitting.

How Do I Know if My Neon Guppies Are Healthy?

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your Neon Guppies are healthy. Firstly, they should have a sleek and streamlined body shape. Secondly, their colors should be bright and vibrant. Lastly, they should be active and playful.

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good indication that your Neon Guppies are healthy and happy. However, if you notice any changes in their behavior or appearance, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian for further advice.

Are Neon Guppies Easy to Take Care Of?

Yes, Neon Guppies are a very easy fish to take care of. They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are also not picky eaters and will accept a variety of different foods.

As long as you provide them with a spacious tank and a nutritious diet, Neon Guppies will thrive in your care. Just be sure to keep an eye on your fish and make sure that they are getting along.

Do Neon Guppies Need a Filter?

Yes, Neon Guppies need a filter in their tank. This is because they produce a lot of waste and require clean water to stay healthy.

filters help to keep the water in your Neon Guppy tank clean and free of harmful toxins. They also provide a place for beneficial bacteria to grow, which helps to break down waste products and keep the water quality high.

Do Neon Guppies Need a Heater?

No, Neon Guppies do not need a heater in their tank. This is because they are tropical fish and prefer water that is between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if you live in an area with cooler temperatures, you may need to use a heater to maintain the proper water temperature for your Neon Guppies.

How to Identify if My Neon Guppy is Ill? 

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your Neon Guppy is ill. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes, and white spots on the body.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult a veterinarian for further advice.

 

Final Thoughts

These fish are definitely some of the most popular in the hobby. They come in a wide variety of stunningly colored strains. If you're a first-time fish owner, many stores will recommend these types of fish to you. While easy to care for, these fish usually won't do well in a cycling tank and will likely die if added before the cycle is complete. These fish are best suited for a more mature aquarium that is already set up and has an established bacteria colony. However, if you're willing to put in the work to cycle your tank before adding these fish, they can make a beautiful and exciting addition to your aquarium!

There are a number of reasons why neon tetras are so popular. Firstly, they are very easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Secondly, they are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of different foods.

If you are thinking about adding fish to your tank, Neon Guppies are a great option. Just be sure to do your research beforehand and make sure that you are prepared to properly care for them. With proper care, they can live for 2-3 years in captivity.

Sarah Robertson


I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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