Guppy's Appetite: Guppy Vs. Neon Tetra

Guppies and neon tetras are both small, peaceful, freshwater fish that can coexist in the same aquarium. They are a popular combination for community tanks as they are super compatible. They are both found in the same natural habitat and require similar water parameters. They are also both low-maintenance fish, making them a great choice for beginners.

Guppies and neon tetras can live together under the right conditions

Guppies are a hardy and adaptable species, native to the tropical freshwater streams of South America. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are happy with water temperatures between 72-82°F and a pH of 6.8-7.8. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including fish flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Guppies are also prolific breeders, so their numbers can quickly increase if not kept in check.

Neon tetras, on the other hand, are more sensitive to changes in water chemistry and require a more stable environment. They are native to the slow-flowing streams and rivers of South America, where the water tends to be murkier and darker due to dense vegetation and overhead canopies. They prefer slightly cooler water temperatures of 70-78°F and a pH of 6.0-7.5. Neon tetras are primarily carnivorous and require a diet that includes live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.

When setting up an aquarium for guppies and neon tetras, it is important to create an environment that meets the needs of both species. The minimum recommended tank size for a community aquarium is 20 gallons, with water temperatures maintained between 70-82°F and a pH between 6.5-7.5. The tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places and open swimming spaces.

Both guppies and neon tetras are considered schooling fish and prefer to be kept in groups of at least six individuals. They should also be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality fish flakes, live or frozen foods, and occasional vegetable supplements such as cucumber, peas, and lettuce.

By ensuring that the tank setup, water parameters, and dietary needs of both guppies and neon tetras are properly addressed, these two species can peacefully coexist and make excellent tank mates.

Guppies are peaceful but male guppies can be aggressive towards each other

Guppies are generally peaceful, social fish that are known for their vibrant colours and active swimming. They are non-violent and get along well with most other species of fish, making them great tank-mates. However, male guppies can sometimes display aggressive behaviour towards each other.

Male guppies are the chief antagonists in confrontations, driven by their extreme mating tendencies. They tend to be very domineering, especially when there are too many males or only males in the tank. Overcrowding can also cause male guppies to become hostile. In such cases, they compete for territory and mating partners, and the aggression is spread out and randomised.

Male guppies fighting each other could be due to several reasons, such as food scarcity, mating partners, or asserting dominance. They may also be competing for space, and this competition can lead to violent contact and frayed fins. However, frayed fins can also be caused by sharp decor in the tank, so it is important to remove any sharp objects and replace them with smooth-edged alternatives.

If you notice constant chasing and hiding, this could be a sign that your guppies are stressed or sick. They might start spending a lot of time hiding and lose interest in feeding. This can be detrimental to their health, so it is important to address the issue.

To reduce aggression between male guppies, you can try improving the male-to-female ratio in the tank. Keeping three female guppies for every male guppy can help reduce male aggression and give them more space. It is also important to ensure that there is enough space in the tank for all the fish, with a minimum of two gallons of water per fish.

In addition, providing plenty of hiding places, such as plants, rocks, and driftwood, can help reduce stress and aggression. Regularly cleaning the aquarium and providing proper lighting can also contribute to a healthy and peaceful environment for your guppies.

Neon tetras are peaceful but may nip at other fish if their needs aren't met

Neon tetras are generally peaceful fish, but they can become aggressive in certain situations. One of the main reasons for aggression in neon tetras is a lack of space in the tank. They need room to swim, play, eat, and explore, and if their environment is cramped, they can become frustrated and irritable, which can lead to aggressive behaviour.

It is recommended to have a minimum of six neon tetras in a group, and they should be kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to provide two gallons of water for each fish in the tank. For example, if you have a school of ten neon tetras, a 20-gallon tank is ideal.

In addition to space, neon tetras can become aggressive due to poor water conditions. They prefer a water temperature between 70°F to 81°F, dimmed lighting, soft water, a pH above 6.0 and below 7.0, and a spacious tank. If the water conditions are not optimal, neon tetras can become uncomfortable and stressed, which can lead to irritability and aggression.

Another common trigger for aggression in neon tetras is food. As schooling fish, they face high competition for food, and their aggression can increase if there are other fish in the tank with them. It can be challenging to ensure that all neon tetras get enough to eat, and they may resort to aggressive behaviour to guard their food supply. Overfeeding should be avoided, and it is recommended to feed small amounts two to three times a day, only what they can consume within a few minutes.

Introducing new fish to a tank with neon tetras can also trigger aggressive behaviour. Older neon tetras may nip at the fins of new fish as a way of establishing dominance or protecting their territory. This behaviour usually subsides as the new fish adapts and finds its place in the hierarchy. However, if the new fish continues to be bullied and does not integrate into the school, it may need to be separated or moved to a different tank.

While neon tetras are typically peaceful, they can become aggressive if their needs are not met. By providing a spacious tank, optimal water conditions, ample food, and a comfortable environment, you can help reduce aggression and promote peaceful coexistence with other fish species.

Guppies are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods

Guppies are not picky eaters and will consume almost anything offered to them. However, it is important to provide them with a healthy and well-balanced diet. In addition to commercial fish food, guppies can be fed a variety of fresh and live foods, such as:

• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Bloodworms
• Shrimp
• Cucumber
• Peas
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Pumpkin

It is also beneficial to include vegetables in their diet, such as algae tabs or spirulina, as guppies feed on plant matter in the wild. When feeding vegetables, it is important to remove any uneaten portions from the tank to prevent water contamination.

Guppies should be fed small amounts several times a day, typically two to three times daily. It is important not to overfeed them, as this can lead to health issues and water quality problems. Guppies have a small appetite and will only eat what they can consume within a few minutes.

Overall, guppies are adaptable when it comes to food and will thrive on a diverse and nutritious diet that includes a variety of animal-based and plant-based sources. By providing them with a well-rounded diet, you can ensure their optimal health and colourful appearance.

Neon tetras are primarily carnivorous but can also be omnivores

Neon tetras are omnivores and have a varied diet in the wild, which you should replicate in your home aquarium. In nature, they are omnivores that will eat both plant and animal material.

In the wild, neon tetras live in tropical flowing waters, with dense vegetation that includes floating plants and roots. You should replicate this habitat in the tank by providing low-light hiding places for your neon tetra. Decorate your neon tetra tank with floating plants like hornwort and Java moss. These plants create shady, secluded hideaways that neon tetras enjoy. Driftwood can also be used to provide hiding places for the fish.

Neon tetras are primarily carnivorous and require a diet that includes live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. While they may also eat flakes or pellets, these should not make up the majority of their diet. It is important to provide a varied diet that includes a mixture of protein-rich live or frozen foods and high-quality commercial foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals.

Good-quality fish flakes that are fortified with vitamins and minerals are a staple food to feed neon tetras. Several times per week, feed neon tetras live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, tubifex, and brine shrimp. Cut live food into small pieces to prevent the neon tetras from having problems swallowing the food.

Make sure your neon tetras get enough plant foods in their diet. Feed the fish algae wafers, grapes, cucumbers, and strawberries up to three times per week.

From six months old, neon tetras should be fed twice a day. Provide enough food for the tetras to eat for two minutes, then discard the uneaten food to maintain good water quality. Overfeeding neon tetras can make the fish sick, so stick to a feeding schedule and don’t put too much food into the tank.

Frequently asked questions