Guppy Poecilia reticulata

The Guppy is native to freshwater springs, ditches and vegetated canals of the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and Venezuela. Its natural diet is zooplankton, algae and insect larvae.

It has been introduced to most tropical and subtropical areas as an attempt to control mosquito larvae; however it has generally had a bad impact on native fish in those areas where it has been introduced. Above two rows show the wild form; below shows a form commonly bred in aquaculture.

Male Guppies are slimmer, smaller and more colourful than females (female above centre left, with male centre right), with long flowing dorsal and tail fins. Males grow 2-3cm long and females 3-6cm.

Females are "live bearers" - they give birth to live, independent young rather than laying eggs.

In captivity, different breeds with various male colour and tail-shape variations are bred.