Swamp Guppy

The swamp guppy belongs to the same lineage as the guppy (P. reticulata) but is stockier and shorter-finned. Males reach 2.5–3 cm and are patterned with black blotches on a scarlet-orange background; the color pattern varies by population. Females are around 4 cm, olive-gray and plain. In the wild it lives in coastal swamps and canals with fluctuating salinity, so it can struggle in fully fresh, soft water.

• 40 liters or more for a small group.
• 25–27°C, pH 7.5–8, hard water; 2–4 g of sea salt per liter noticeably supports its health.
• Dense plants (salt-tolerant species) and floating plants.
• 20–25% water change weekly; keep the salinity stable.

Omnivorous, with a small mouth. Micro granules, fine flakes, spirulina food, newly hatched brine shrimp and cyclops are suitable.

Peaceful and active. Males constantly court the females. Its need for slightly salty water limits the species it can be kept with.

Good companions: small species that tolerate a little salt: Endler's livebearers, mollies, nerite snails, some Pseudomugil rainbowfish.

Avoid: species that cannot tolerate salt (corydoras, most tetras), large fish that grab food quickly, fin nippers.