Guppies' Wild Diet: What's On The Menu?

what do wild guppies eat

Guppies are omnivores, meaning they eat a mix of meat and plant matter. In the wild, they eat a variety of foods, including animal-based and plant-based sources. Their diet includes soft algae, plant remains, and vegetable matter, as well as small insects, larvae, and other aquatic animals. Some of the specific foods they eat are brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, daphnia, bloodworms, guppy fry, and invertebrates.

Characteristics Values
Diet Omnivorous
Food Sources Benthic algae, aquatic insect larvae, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, guppy fry, leaves, food particles left by larger fish, zooplankton, diatoms, invertebrates, detritus, plant fragments, mineral particles, soft algae, plant remains, vegetables, meat, fruit

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Soft algae

Guppies are omnivores, so they require a mix of meat and plant matter in their diet. In the wild, they feed on small insects and larvae, as well as plant matter such as soft algae and decomposing leaves. Guppies have access to a variety of food sources and thrive on a diet that is rich in both plant-based and meaty foods.

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Aquatic insect larvae

Guppies are omnivores with a varied diet, eating both plant and animal matter. Aquatic insect larvae are a great food supplement to the general diet of fish flakes. Guppies can eat all sorts of aquatic insect larvae, including mosquito larvae, stonefly larvae, and dragonfly larvae. These small larvae are valuable sources of protein for the fish.

Guppies are frequently introduced to both natural and artificial water bodies as a form of mosquito control. They can consume large numbers of mosquito larvae, eating nearly their body weight in mosquito larvae daily. Guppies are, therefore, a terrific food supplement to offer in addition to general fish flakes.

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Plant matter

Guppies are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they eat a variety of foods, including soft algae, plant remains, and even other aquatic animals.

Algae is a common snack for guppies, as it can be found almost anywhere they live and provides much-needed fibre in their diet. Guppies also eat leaves that have fallen into their habitat and begun to decay.

In captivity, guppies can be fed plant-based foods such as algae tabs or spirulina to complete a healthy diet. It is also a good idea to have live aquatic plants in the aquarium that can serve as a food source for both adult guppies and guppy fry. Guppies like to nibble on soft algae that grows on plants.

In the wild, guppies will also eat food particles left behind by larger fish, which can include scraps of meat from prey or vegetables and leaf matter.

Guppies are not known for being destructive, but they will eat certain plants. Commonly eaten plants include water lettuce, water sprite, anacharis, and hornwort.

Guppies require plant-based nutrients derived from algae, phytoplankton, and other aquatic vegetation to maintain their health. A baby guppy will not need to consume as many plant-based nutrients, but it will still need to eat some plants to survive.

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Meat

Guppies are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, guppies are not fussy eaters and will eat anything that fits in their mouths. They are particularly fond of meat, including:

  • Insect larvae
  • Brine shrimp
  • Invertebrates
  • Diatoms
  • Mosquito larvae
  • Small crustaceans
  • Water fleas
  • Plankton
  • Bloodworms
  • Daphnia
  • Vinegar eels
  • Beef

Guppies are also known to eat their own young, or guppy fry, which is known as filial cannibalism. This may be because the adults are underfed or overcrowded, or because they are selecting against weaker offspring.

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Organic food

Guppies are omnivores, so they eat a mix of meat and plant matter. In the wild, they are known to eat mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, guppy fry, algae, leaves, and food particles left by larger fish.

Guppies in the wild consume mostly live food, including insects, mosquito larvae, small worms, and small shrimp. They also eat soft algae, fruits that fall into the water, and other plant matter.

Live Food

  • Brine shrimp: This is a nutritious and appealing source of live food for both young and adult guppies. Brine shrimp has a high protein and fat content and also contains carbohydrates.
  • Daphnia: A great source of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins A and D.
  • Vinegar eels: A very good source of protein and fat, especially for guppy fry.
  • Micro-worms: Very tiny worms that are easy to culture in a small sealed container.
  • Mosquito larvae: A staple food for many wild guppies, and a good source of protein.
  • Fruit flies: Another source of protein for guppies.
  • Grindal worms: A good source of protein.
  • Water fleas: Can be alternated with other types of food.
  • Earthworms: A great source of protein, but ensure they are not collected from an area treated with pesticides.

Plant Matter

  • Spinach: Can be chopped into very small pieces and mixed with a small amount of spirulina or dried algae.
  • Spirulina: Can be mixed with spinach.
  • Algae: A common snack for guppies, providing much-needed fibre in their diet.
  • Leaves: Fallen leaves that have begun to decay make an excellent meal for guppies.
  • Mustard greens: Can be chopped or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Zucchini: Can be blanched, boiled, or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Peas: Can be blanched, boiled, or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Spinach: Can be blanched, boiled, or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Cucumber: The soft, jelly-like bits must be removed before feeding to guppies, as they can foul the water.
  • Sweet potato: Can be blanched, boiled, or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Carrots: Can be blanched, boiled, or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Pumpkin: Can be served raw.
  • Bananas: Rich in vitamin C and B-6, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
  • Grapes: Rich in vitamin A, C, and B-6, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.
  • Watermelon: Rich in vitamins A and C.
  • Tomatoes: Can be chopped or shredded and fed to guppies.
  • Cabbage: Can be blanched and fed to guppies.
  • Corn: Can be blanched and fed to guppies.
  • Broccoli: Can be blanched and fed to guppies.
  • Cauliflower: Can be blanched and fed to guppies.
  • Kale: Can be blanched and fed to guppies.
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Frequently asked questions

Guppies are omnivores, so they eat both plant and animal matter. This includes soft algae, aquatic insect larvae, brine shrimp, and plant remains.

Guppies eat mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia, and guppy fry.

Guppies eat algae, leaves, and plant particles.

Guppies are not fussy eaters and will try almost anything that fits into their tiny mouths.

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