Top 7 Best Tank Mates for Guppies

Guppy is, without exaggeration, one of the most popular fish in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s colorful, active, easy to care for, and brings life to any community tank without being too demanding. But keeping a guppy happy isn’t just about basic care, it’s also about choosing the right tankmates, since those lush, showy tails are a tempting target for certain less-friendly species. Here are seven tank mates that usually get along great with guppies, without bothering their fins.

1. German Blue Ram

German Blue Ram, also known as Ramirezi, is one of the most colorful species you’ll find in a community tank, with a body that blends metallic blue, yellow, and orange in a pattern that looks almost hand-painted. Although it’s a cichlid, and therefore a bit more territorial than average, Ramirezi is small and generally peaceful with similarly sized or smaller species, such as guppies, as long as it has its own little corner of the tank to call home.

It prefers water that is slightly warmer than many other species, between 26 and 29 degrees, and enjoys having plants and hiding spots where it can take refuge whenever it feels the need. A pair of females is usually enough and much safer per tank. Once you choose a pair, they may become territorial toward other fish during the breeding season.

2. Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal tetra is an absolute must-have for any colorful community tank, with that electric blue stripe contrasting with bright red that looks even more beautiful when they swim in a group. It is completely peaceful, showing no interest in other fish’s fins, and pairing it with guppies usually results in a tank full of color in constant motion.

It thrives best in groups of at least eight to ten individuals and prefers slightly more acidic, warm water, between 23 and 27 degrees, which comfortably overlaps with the guppy’s preferences.

3. Orange Von Rio Tetra

Von Rio tetra, also known as Flame Tetra because of the orange and reddish hues that dominate its body, is another excellent choice for adding color to a tank with guppies. It is an active but peaceful schooling fish that swims mainly in the middle zone, with no tendency to chase or bother other species.

It tolerates a reasonable range of water parameters well, making it a hardy and easy, even for those who are still gaining experience with community tanks. It thrives best in groups of six or more individuals.

4. Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetra is a darker, more elegant alternative to the traditional Neon Tetra, with a silver stripe and a black stripe running along its body, creating a striking contrast to the guppy’s bright colors. It is peaceful, hardy, and always swims in a tight group in the middle of the tank, without ever posing a threat to other fish’s fins.

It prefers slightly cooler water than other tropical tetras, between 20 and 26 degrees, and thrives best in groups of six or more.

5. Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as Galaxy Rasbora, is a small fish with a pattern of golden spots on a dark bluish background that truly resembles a starry sky. It is extremely peaceful and unobtrusive in its behavior, swimming mainly near plants and decorations, with no interest in confronting guppies or any other species.

It thrives best in groups of six or more, in a well-planted tank where it feels safe to explore. It is a small specie, so it pairs best with guppies of moderate size rather than giant varieties.

6. Dwarf Gourami

The dwarf gourami adds color and a calmer, more observant demeanor to the tank, with a body that combines shades of blue and red, depending on the variety. It is generally peaceful with guppies, although it’s best to keep only one male per tank, since two males together tend to engage in territorial conflicts with each other, regardless of the guppies around them.

It thrives in a tank with floating plants and some vegetation cover, reflecting its natural habit of living near areas with dense vegetation on the water’s surface.

7. Glowlight Tetra

Rounding out the list is Glowlight Tetra, recognizable by the bright orange stripe that appears to glow, running the length of its translucent body from head to tail. It is a peaceful and unobtrusive schooling fish that swims primarily in the middle section of the tank, showing no interest in interacting negatively with guppies or other peaceful species.

It thrives best in groups of six or more individuals and tolerates most of the water parameters commonly found in tropical community tanks.

Species to Avoid at All Costs

Not all fish make good tank mates for guppies, and some pose a real risk to their long, showy fins. Fish known for fin-nipping, such as Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetra, for example, should always be avoided, as they see Guppies tails as an irresistible target.

Larger, more territorial cichlids are also a bad combination, both because of their natural aggressiveness and their size, which often leads to Guppies being viewed as food rather than companions. Male Bettas also require extra caution, as some mistake the bright colors of male Guppies for rivals, leading to constant harassment.

Quick Comparison

Species	Tank Zone	Risk Level	Minimum Volume
German Blue Ram	Bottom and Middle	Low (territorial as a pair)	40L+
Cardinal Tetra	Middle	Very Low	40L+
Orange Von Rio Tetra	Middle	Very Low	40L+
Black Neon Tetra	Middle	Very Low	40L+
Celestial Pearl Danio	Middle and Plants	Very Low	20L+
Dwarf Gourami	Top and Middle	Low	40L+
Glowlight Tetra	Middle	Very Low	40L+

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep several of these species together in the same tank?

Yes, you can. As long as the tank is large enough for all of them. It’s actually quite common to set up a community tank with Guppies, some colorful Tetras, and a bottom-dwelling or plant-eating species, such as the Celestial Pearl Danio.

Should male and female Guppies live together?

They can, but be prepared for frequent fry, since guppies breed very easily. If you’d rather avoid that, you can add a fish that typically eats fry, or even opt for a tank with only females or only males.

Can Guppies also be preyed upon by other Guppies?

More aggressive males may sometimes chase females excessively during courtship, so it’s a good idea to keep more females than males in the tank to spread their reproductive attention among them.

So, Guppies are one of the easiest fish to keep with other species, as long as you avoid the obvious candidates for conflict. With the seven options on this list, you have plenty of room to set up a peaceful, colorful, and lively community tank.