Choosing the right mix of fish for an aquarium is often tricky. You must analyze whether the environment needs and feeding requirements of the different fish match. Additionally, you should also assess whether they will be behaviorally compatible. Guppies and tetras are common aquarium fish, which are peaceful and easy to take care of. So, it would be perfect if these two varieties can be kept in the same tank. But, can guppies live with tetras?
Yes, guppies and tetras can comfortably co-exist in the same tank. The habitat and feeding needs of both fish are similar. The tank setup is also more or less similar for guppies and tetras. Additionally, guppies and tetras are peaceful fish and get along with each other. So, they can live together.
Let’s dig into this a bit more.
What Makes Guppies And Tetras Good Tank Mates?
Guppies and tetras can survive in the same aquarium for the following reasons:
1. Guppies And Tetras Have Similar Water And Habitat Needs
Guppies are freshwater fish that are natives of South America.
Tetras also belong to warm tropical places.
Since the natural habitats of both the fish are similar, they will be comfortable in the same aquarium environment.
You can ensure that guppies and tetras flourish in captivity by recreating the natural conditions of their wild habitat in your tank.
Given below are some things that you should keep in mind while having guppies and tetras together in the tank:
- Have Ideal temperature and pH: Set the temperature of the tank between 75°F and 82°F to resemble tropical temperature conditions. The ideal pH range of water is 7 to 7.2 for both fish.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Guppies and tetras are clean fish. They do not excessively pollute their surroundings. Both varieties are sensitive to dirty water and cannot adjust to high ammonia levels. So, it is a good idea to install a water filter to keep the aquarium water clean. However, if you keep messy fish in the same aquarium as guppies and tetras, you will need a strong water filter.
- Use Correct Water Filter: Even when using a strong filter, you must do weekly water changes to keep the fish healthy. Change up to 25% of the water in the tank weekly, to keep it fresh. However, there is a problem with using strong filters in tanks containing guppies and tetras. Strong filters cause heavy water currents. Although guppies and tetras are good swimmers, they do not like fast currents. Guppies find it difficult to swim in heavy currents due to their long fins and tails. Too strong currents will push tetras against the glass and make them immobile. So, choose a filter that has just enough current and allows the fish to move around freely.
- Use a planted tank: The natural habitats of guppies and tetras in the Amazon have dense vegetation. Create a similar environment for your pets by using live plants in the tank. Floating plants will block out the light like in their natural habitat. Plants will also provide plenty of hiding spots for the two fish to relax in.
Related Further Reading:
- Do Guppies Eat Each Other? And How To Stop Them?
- Do Guppies Need A Heater? (Ideal Heater Types + Wattages)
- Do Guppies Need Oxygen? + Ways To Increase Oxygen Levels
2. The Diet Of Guppies And Tetras Are Similar
Guppies and tetras feed on both plant and animal matter.
Both types of fish are non-fussy eaters and will feed on any food that you offer them.
Nevertheless, their ideal diet should be rich and varied, with nutrients from plant and animal sources.
You can use the same food for both fish. Store-bought fish flakes and pellets will satisfy their daily nutritional requirements.
Choose high-quality readymade foods to improve their health and lifespan.
Guppies and tetras also benefit from occasional treats.
Use live or freeze-dried foods like brine shrimp, micro worms, vinegar eels, and insect larvae for protein.
It will help the fish grow bigger and stronger.
Apart from store-bought foods and live foods, you can also feed guppies and tetras homemade food.
Finely cut vegetables like salad greens, cucumbers, shelled peas, carrots, zucchini, and kale are good options.
You can also offer fruits like kiwis and oranges.
When feeding guppies and tetras, crumble or chop the food into tiny pieces that will fit their mouths.
Do Guppies Eat Tetras?
You can keep adult guppies and tetras together because they do not attack, chase, or eat each other.
However, we cannot say the same for their offspring.
Guppies and tetras will eat anything that fits their mouth, including young fry and fish eggs.
Guppies give birth to live fry. Adult guppies or tetras may eat these tiny baby fish if they get too close.
Meanwhile, tetras lay eggs that hatch into young ones.
When the eggs are in the same tank as the adults, the adults may eat them up.
So, the chances of survival of guppy fry and tetra eggs are less if they are in the same tank as the adults.
Related Further Reading:
- Can Guppies Live Together? + How To Stop Guppies From Fighting?
- Can Guppies Live With Bettas? + How To Keep Them Together
- Do Guppies Die After Giving Birth? (Here Are The Facts)
Behavioral Compatibility Of Guppies And Tetras
Guppies and tetras are schooling fish. Although they get along with other fish, they prefer their kind.
Just like in the wild, these fish like to form shoals and stay together in aquariums.
If your tank has only a few fish of either type, they can feel insecure. They will resort to hiding, and their health will suffer.
To keep your guppies and tetras happy, place them in groups. Keep them with other fish of similar sizes.
It will reduce the likelihood of conflicts, and the tank will be a peaceful place.
Factors To Consider When Setting Up A Tank For Guppies And Tetras
Pay attention to the following factors when setting up a tank for guppies and tetras, and both the fish will co-exist and flourish.
- Size of the tank: Guppies and tetras are active swimmers. They need a lot of space to swim and explore. Since each fish will need at least two gallons of water, keep the tank understocked. It will give the fish enough place to swim. Additionally, you will also be able to accommodate any guppy or tetra fry in the future.
- Maintain tank hygiene: Since both tetras and guppies are susceptible to high ammonia levels, pay close attention to the quality of water in the aquarium. Use a good filter and change the water frequently to ensure the optimal health of both the fish.
- Protect the fry: Guppy fry and tetra eggs are at risk of being eaten by the adults in the aquarium. If you wish to raise a new generation of guppies or tetras, you should separate the eggs and fry from the adults. Use a breeding box or net to keep them in the same enclosure. Or use a separate tank for the fry till they are big enough to return to the original tank.
Interesting Further Reading:
- How Guppies Mate? (Entire Process + Ideal Mating Conditions)
- How To Stop Guppies From Eating Their Babies (3 Perfect Ways)
- Can Guppies Live With Shrimp? (And Will Guppies Eat Shrimp?)
- Can Guppies Live With Snails? (Best Snails To Keep With Guppies)
Related Questions
What fish can I keep with guppies and tetras? You can keep other community fish of similar size, compatible behavior traits, habitat and feeding requirements with guppies and tetras. Mollies, Platies, and Corydoras are some fish that get along with this combination.
How often should guppies and tetras be fed? Guppies and tetras are hungry fish that will eat anything they find. However, overfeeding is detrimental to their health. Feed guppies and tetras once or twice a day with what they can eat in five minutes. Remove the uneaten food, so it does not pollute the water. Feed guppy and tetra fry more frequently than adults to help them grow to their optimal size. They will also need more protein-rich food than adults during the growing phase.
