Choosing the right guppy tank mates can make or break a community aquarium. Guppies are peaceful, social fish, but pair them with the wrong species and you will quickly see fin nipping, constant chasing, pale colors, and stressed fish hiding in corners.
The good news is that guppies are genuinely flexible community fish. With the right companions, they thrive, display brighter colors, and stay active all day.
In this guide, you will find 25 proven guppy tank mates that work in real aquariums — plus the fish you should always avoid.
Quick Navigation
What Makes a Good Guppy Tank Mate?
Quick Compatibility Chart
25 Best Guppy Tank Mates
Best Tank Mates for Fancy Guppies
Male-Only Guppy Tank Mates
Best Bottom Dwellers for Guppy Tanks
Guppy Tank Mates for 10 Gallon Tanks
Best Guppy Tank Mates for 20 Gallon Tanks
Can Guppies Live with Shrimp?
Can Guppies Live with Snails?
Do Tank Mates Eat Guppy Fry?
Fish to Avoid with Guppies
Why Guppy Community Tanks Fail
Signs Your Tank Mates Are Not Compatible
Water Parameters for Community Tanks
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Good Guppy Tank Mate?
The best guppy tank mates share three things: a peaceful temperament, a similar preferred temperature range, and a small enough size that they pose no threat to guppies or their fry.
Compatible tank mates should ideally:
→ Be peaceful and non-aggressive
→ Not nip fins
→ Thrive in 72°F–80°F water
→ Tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline pH
→ Stay small enough not to intimidate guppies
Fancy guppies need extra consideration. Their large, flowing tails make them slow swimmers and easy targets for fin nippers. Any fish with a reputation for nipping — even mild cases — should be avoided in fancy guppy tanks.
A well-matched community tank reduces stress, which directly leads to brighter colors, better appetite, and longer lifespans. If your guppies are hiding frequently or behaving nervously, read our guide on why guppies hide.
Quick Compatibility Chart
| Fish | Compatibility | Min. Tank Size | Safe for Fancy Guppies? | Eats Fry? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Tetras | Excellent | 10 gallon | Yes | Sometimes |
| Corydoras Catfish | Excellent | 10 gallon | Yes | No |
| Platies | Excellent | 10 gallon | Yes | Sometimes |
| Mollies | Good | 20 gallon | Usually | Yes |
| Harlequin Rasboras | Excellent | 15 gallon | Yes | Rarely |
| Cherry Shrimp | Excellent | 5 gallon | Yes | No |
| Tiger Barbs | Avoid | — | No | Yes |
| Goldfish | Avoid | — | No | Yes |
25 Best Guppy Tank Mates
1. Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are one of the most popular guppy tank mates for good reason. Both species are peaceful, active at the same tank levels, and look stunning together in a planted aquarium.
Neon tetras need to be kept in groups of at least 6 — a single neon or a pair will become stressed. In a school, they are confident, active, and completely ignore guppies. They are one of the safest choices for beginners building their first community tank.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger planted tanks.
2. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are one of the best bottom dwellers you can add to a guppy tank. They are completely peaceful, spend their time cleaning up leftover food from the substrate, and never harass guppies at any tank level.
Keep corydoras in groups of at least 6. Pygmy corydoras and panda corydoras are excellent choices for smaller aquariums. Like neon tetras, corydoras are a top recommendation for beginners.
Best for: Any guppy tank 10 gallons and above.
3. Platies
Platies and guppies are both peaceful livebearers with almost identical care requirements, which makes them natural tank mates. Platies come in a wide range of colors and are very hardy, making them ideal for beginners.
One thing to watch: platies breed readily, so expect fry if you keep both males and females. Both species may eat newborn fry if not given enough hiding places.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger community tanks.
4. Mollies
Mollies and guppies share similar water parameters and a peaceful temperament, making them generally compatible. However, mollies grow larger than guppies and can become territorial in overcrowded or undersized tanks.
A 20 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended when keeping mollies with guppies to give everyone enough space. In a well-maintained larger tank, they coexist without issues.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger tanks.
5. Endlers
Endlers are the closest relatives of guppies and are among the most compatible tank mates possible. They are small, active, peaceful, and thrive in the same water conditions as guppies.
Important note: endlers and guppies can crossbreed, which may produce hybrid offspring. If you want to keep guppy strains pure, keep endlers in a separate tank.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger tanks.
6. Cherry Barbs
Cherry barbs are one of the few barb species peaceful enough for a guppy community tank. Unlike tiger barbs — which are notorious fin nippers — cherry barbs are calm, stay small, and rarely show aggression toward guppies.
Keep them in groups of 6 or more to reduce any mild fin-nipping behavior. Males are a deep red color that looks stunning alongside colorful guppies.
Best for: 15 gallon and larger tanks.
7. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras are peaceful schooling fish that share the same mid-water swimming level as guppies, yet there is very little conflict between them. They are hardy, easy to keep, and add beautiful color to any planted aquarium.
Harlequin rasboras rarely eat fry and have no history of fin nipping, making them a very safe choice for fancy guppies too.
Best for: 15 gallon and larger planted tanks.
8. Honey Gouramis
Honey gouramis are the most peaceful gourami species available in the hobby. Unlike dwarf gouramis, which can occasionally become territorial, honey gouramis are calm and rarely bother tankmates.
They make excellent centerpiece fish for larger guppy tanks. Keep one male with one or two females to avoid territorial behavior between males.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger tanks.
9. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches are peaceful, eel-like bottom dwellers that spend most of their time hiding under rocks and substrate. They come alive at night, scavenging for food — and they completely ignore guppies.
They prefer soft substrate and at least a few hiding spots. Keep them in groups of 3 or more, as they feel insecure alone. Kuhli loaches are an excellent bottom layer addition for peaceful community tanks.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger tanks with soft substrate.
10. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus are tiny algae-eating catfish that stay under 2 inches and pose absolutely no threat to guppies. They graze on algae along glass and plant leaves all day and completely mind their own business.
Otocinclus need to be kept in groups of at least 4–6 and require established algae growth to feed on. Supplement with blanched zucchini or algae wafers if algae supply is low.
Best for: Planted guppy tanks 10 gallons and above.
11. Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are tiny — barely 0.8 inches — which makes them ideal for nano and planted community tanks with guppies. Their warm orange color contrasts beautifully against brightly colored males.
They are completely peaceful and too small to cause any issues with even the most delicate fancy guppies. Keep in groups of 6 or more.
Best for: 10 gallon nano and planted tanks.
12. Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras look similar to neon tetras but are slightly larger and, many aquarists feel, even more vibrant. They are calm, schooling fish that coexist peacefully with guppies in stable tropical aquariums.
Cardinal tetras prefer slightly softer and warmer water, so check that your parameters overlap with your guppy setup. Keep in schools of 6 or more.
Best for: 15 gallon and larger planted tanks.
13. Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are hardy, energetic schooling fish that get along well with guppies in most setups. They are fast, active, and easy to care for.
One caution: zebra danios are very fast and energetic, which can occasionally stress slower fancy guppies with large tails. They are better suited to standard guppy setups than to tanks with delicate fancy strains.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger tanks with standard guppies.
14. Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos are small algae-eating bottom fish that work well as tank cleaners in larger guppy aquariums. They stay under 5 inches and are completely peaceful toward guppies.
They need hiding spots — a piece of driftwood or a cave works well. Supplement their diet with algae wafers and blanched vegetables. Avoid common plecos, which grow far too large.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger tanks.
15. Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp are one of the most effective algae-eating invertebrates in the hobby. They are peaceful, hardy, and large enough that most adult guppies leave them alone.
Unlike cherry shrimp, Amano shrimp do not breed in freshwater, so their numbers stay manageable. They are excellent tank cleaners and a great low-maintenance addition to any guppy community tank.
Best for: Any guppy tank 10 gallons and above.
16. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are beginner-friendly, peaceful, and add a splash of vivid red to a planted guppy aquarium. They spend their time grazing on algae and biofilm and cause no issues for guppies.
The main consideration: guppies may eat baby cherry shrimp. Dense plant cover — especially java moss — dramatically improves shrimp survival. Adult cherry shrimp are generally fast enough to avoid guppies.
Best for: Planted guppy tanks 10 gallons and above.
17. Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are among the safest and most reliable tank mates for guppies. They are completely non-aggressive, pose no threat to fish or fry, and spend all their time grazing on algae along glass, rocks, and decorations.
Nerite snails do not breed in freshwater, which means they will not overpopulate your tank. They come in several attractive patterns and are an excellent low-effort addition to any guppy setup.
Best for: Any guppy tank.
18. Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are peaceful, attractive snails that serve as an efficient cleanup crew in guppy aquariums. They eat algae, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter — helping keep the tank clean naturally.
Mystery snails can grow up to 2 inches and come in several colors including gold, blue, and ivory. They lay eggs above the waterline, so population control is easy.
Best for: Any guppy tank.
19. Swordtails
Swordtails are peaceful livebearers closely related to guppies and platies. They share similar water requirements and are generally calm community fish in larger tanks.
Males can occasionally chase each other, and swordtails grow larger than guppies — up to 5 inches — so adequate tank space matters. In a 20 gallon or larger aquarium, they coexist well with guppies.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger tanks.
20. Panda Corydoras
Panda corydoras are a smaller corydoras species with a distinctive black-and-white pattern. They share all the qualities of other corydoras — peaceful, bottom-dwelling, and completely harmless to guppies.
Panda corydoras stay small and work especially well in planted tanks. Keep in groups of 6 for best behavior.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger planted tanks.
21. Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy nose tetras are active schooling fish known for their striking red nose and black-and-white tail pattern. They are peaceful toward guppies and thrive in stable, well-maintained tropical aquariums.
They are more sensitive to poor water quality than neon tetras and prefer stable parameters, which aligns well with what guppies need too. Keep in groups of 8 or more for best results.
Best for: 20 gallon and larger well-maintained tanks.
22. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White cloud mountain minnows are peaceful, hardy fish with a long history in the hobby. They are generally compatible with guppies in terms of temperament.
One important note: white cloud minnows prefer slightly cooler water (64°F–72°F) compared to guppies, which need 72°F–80°F. The overlap is narrow, so keep your tank at the lower end of the guppy range if mixing these two species.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger tanks kept at 72°F–74°F.
23. Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial pearl danios — also called galaxy rasboras — are tiny, stunning nano fish covered in pearl-like spots. They are peaceful, slow-moving, and work beautifully in planted guppy aquariums.
Their calm pace makes them especially compatible with fancy guppies. Keep in groups of 8 or more.
Best for: 10 gallon and larger planted tanks.
24. Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp are transparent, peaceful invertebrates that help keep the tank floor clean by picking up leftover food. They are inexpensive, easy to care for, and completely harmless to guppies.
Like cherry shrimp, baby ghost shrimp may be eaten by guppies, so dense plant cover helps protect them. Adults are usually fast enough to avoid guppies.
Best for: Any guppy tank with plant cover.
25. Ramshorn Snails
Ramshorn snails are small, spiral-shaped scavengers that consume leftover food, algae, and decaying plant matter. They are completely peaceful and adapt well to any community aquarium.
One consideration: ramshorn snails breed readily in freshwater and populations can grow quickly if there is excess food available. Avoid overfeeding to keep numbers manageable.
Best for: Any guppy tank.
Best Tank Mates for Fancy Guppies
Fancy guppies need extra care when choosing tank mates. Their large, trailing fins slow them down considerably, making them vulnerable to even mildly nippy fish. Even species that are fine with standard guppies may stress fancy strains.
The safest tank mates for fancy guppies include:
→ Corydoras catfish
→ Neon tetras
→ Harlequin rasboras
→ Celestial pearl danios
→ Ember tetras
→ Honey gouramis
→ Cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp
→ Nerite and mystery snails
Avoid zebra danios, tiger barbs, and any active fin-nipping species in fancy guppy tanks. For more on keeping fancy guppies healthy, read our fancy guppy guide.
Male-Only Guppy Tank Mates
Male-only guppy tanks are a popular choice because male guppies display the most vibrant colors and you avoid the constant cycle of fry and breeding stress. These tanks are generally calmer and easier to manage.
Good tank mates for male-only guppy setups include:
→ Corydoras catfish
→ Neon tetras
→ Harlequin rasboras
→ Otocinclus catfish
→ Cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp
Male guppies may occasionally chase each other — this is normal. Dense planting and adequate space reduce this significantly. For information on telling males from females, read our male vs female guppy guide.
Best Bottom Dwellers for Guppy Tanks
Adding peaceful bottom dwellers is one of the best ways to fully utilize the different levels of a guppy tank. Guppies swim at the top and middle — the bottom level often goes unused without a dedicated bottom dweller.
The best bottom dwellers for guppy tanks are:
→ Corydoras catfish (any species)
→ Panda corydoras
→ Kuhli loaches
→ Otocinclus catfish
→ Bristlenose plecos (20 gallon+)
All of these species ignore guppies completely and help keep the substrate clean by picking up leftover food.
Guppy Tank Mates for 10 Gallon Tanks
Space is limited in a 10 gallon aquarium, so tank mates need to stay genuinely small and peaceful. Overcrowding a small tank leads to water quality problems quickly, which stresses guppies and makes them vulnerable to disease.
The best guppy tank mates for 10 gallon tanks include:
→ Pygmy corydoras (stay under 1 inch)
→ Ember tetras
→ Endlers
→ Chili rasboras
→ Cherry shrimp
→ Nerite snails
Avoid mollies, larger gouramis, and bristlenose plecos in 10 gallon tanks — they need more space. If you are planning stocking levels, read our guide on how many guppies fit in a 10 gallon tank.
Best Guppy Tank Mates for 20 Gallon Tanks
A 20 gallon aquarium gives you significantly more flexibility when building a guppy community tank. Larger tanks are more stable, easier to maintain, and allow you to keep species that need more swimming room.
Good options for 20 gallon guppy tanks include:
→ Mollies
→ Honey gouramis
→ Swordtails
→ Larger tetra schools (neon, cardinal, rummy nose)
→ Kuhli loaches
→ Bristlenose plecos
→ Harlequin rasboras
For a complete setup guide, read our guppy tank setup guide.
Can Guppies Live with Shrimp?
Yes — guppies and shrimp can coexist successfully in most aquariums. The most popular shrimp choices are:
→ Cherry shrimp
→ Amano shrimp
→ Ghost shrimp
The one risk is baby shrimp. Guppies are opportunistic and will eat shrimp fry if they can catch them. Dense plant cover — especially java moss and floating plants — gives baby shrimp places to hide and dramatically improves their survival rate. Adult shrimp are generally too fast and large for guppies to bother with regularly.
Can Guppies Live with Snails?
Yes — snails are some of the safest and most low-maintenance guppy tank mates available. They pose zero threat to guppies, require minimal care, and actively improve tank cleanliness.
Popular choices include:
→ Nerite snails (do not breed in freshwater)
→ Mystery snails (easy to control breeding)
→ Ramshorn snails (manage numbers by avoiding overfeeding)
If you are concerned about snail populations growing too quickly, nerite snails are the safest choice since they cannot reproduce in freshwater.
Do Tank Mates Eat Guppy Fry?
Yes — most community fish will eat guppy fry given the opportunity. This includes many species that are otherwise completely safe with adult guppies.
Fish that commonly eat guppy fry include:
→ Neon tetras
→ Mollies
→ Honey gouramis
→ Zebra danios
→ Platies
→ Angelfish
If you want to raise guppy fry successfully alongside community fish, use one or more of the following strategies:
→ Dense java moss and fine-leaved plants where fry can hide
→ Floating plants to give fry surface cover
→ A separate breeding or fry tank
→ A breeding box inside the main tank
For more on protecting newborns, read our guppy fry guide and pregnant guppy signs and stages. If you are actively breeding guppies in a community tank, our guppy breeding guide and guppy fry growth guide cover everything you need to raise healthy fry successfully.
Fish to Avoid with Guppies
Not every tropical fish can live peacefully with guppies. Aggressive, large, or fin-nipping species cause constant stress, torn fins, and in some cases, death.
Fish to avoid with guppies:
→ Tiger barbs — notorious fin nippers that will relentlessly target guppy tails
→ Large cichlids — aggressive and territorial; may eat guppies outright
→ Oscars — predatory; will eat guppies
→ Aggressive bettas — male bettas may attack guppies for their colorful fins
→ Jack Dempseys — highly aggressive cichlid species
→ Goldfish — prefer cooler water and will eat guppy fry; not compatible
Even within generally compatible species, individual fish can be aggressive. Always monitor a new addition for the first few days and separate any fish showing persistent aggression.
Why Guppy Community Tanks Fail
Many guppy community tanks run into problems not because of poor fish choices, but because of avoidable setup mistakes. The most common causes of failure are:
→ Overcrowding — too many fish for the tank size creates stress and water quality problems
→ Fin nippers — even one aggressive fish can stress an entire tank
→ Poor water quality — the most dangerous hidden cause of stress and disease
→ No hiding spots — guppies and fry need plants and cover to feel secure
→ Wrong male-to-female ratio — too many males constantly chasing females causes serious stress
Stress from incompatible tank mates weakens the immune system, which increases disease risk significantly. If your guppies stop eating or become inactive after introducing new fish, read our guide on why guppies stop eating.
For water quality troubleshooting, read our common guppy diseases guide.
Signs Your Tank Mates Are Not Compatible
Your guppies will show you early warning signs when something is wrong with their tank mates. Watch closely for:
→ Torn or ragged fins
→ One fish being constantly chased
→ Guppies hiding all day
→ Loss of color or pale appearance
→ Gasping at the water surface
→ Guppies staying at the bottom
→ Missing fry with no other explanation
Any of these signs should prompt immediate action — separate the aggressor or rehome the incompatible fish before stress leads to disease. For more on behavior signs, read our guides on guppy staying at the bottom and guppy staying at the top of tank.
Water Parameters for Community Tanks
The best guppy tank mates are species that thrive in the same water conditions as guppies. Keeping parameters stable is important for the entire community — not just the guppies.
Ideal community tank water parameters:
→ Temperature: 72°F–80°F
→ pH: 7.0–7.8
→ Ammonia: 0 ppm
→ Nitrite: 0 ppm
→ Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Test your water regularly, especially in newer tanks. Ammonia and nitrite spikes are the most dangerous and can cause rapid color loss, lethargy, and death across the entire community. For a complete breakdown of water care, read our guppy water parameters guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best guppy tank mates?
The most reliably peaceful guppy tank mates are corydoras catfish, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, platies, endlers, cherry shrimp, and nerite snails. These species share similar water requirements, cause no fin damage, and coexist with guppies in almost any setup.
Can guppies live with bettas?
Sometimes, but it is risky. Male bettas may attack guppies — especially fancy males — because their colorful, flowing fins trigger aggression. If you try this combination, have a backup plan to separate them immediately.
Can guppies live with goldfish?
No. Goldfish prefer cooler water (60°F–70°F), which is too cold for guppies. Goldfish also grow large and will eat guppy fry. These two species are not compatible.
Can guppies live with mollies?
Yes, in a 20 gallon or larger aquarium. Mollies and guppies share similar water requirements and are both peaceful livebearers. Avoid keeping them together in smaller tanks where mollies may become territorial.
Can guppies live with angelfish?
Generally not recommended. Angelfish grow large and may nip guppy fins or eat smaller guppies and fry as they mature.
Can guppies live with shrimp?
Yes. Adult Amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, and ghost shrimp are generally safe with guppies. Baby shrimp may be eaten, so provide dense plant cover to improve survival rates.
Can guppies live with tiger barbs?
No. Tiger barbs are fin nippers and will constantly harass guppies, especially fancy males with large tails.
Can guppies live with neon tetras?
Yes. Neon tetras are one of the best and most popular guppy tank mates. They are peaceful, active, and thrive in the same conditions as guppies.
Can guppies live with corydoras catfish?
Yes. Corydoras are among the safest and most recommended guppy tank mates. They are peaceful bottom dwellers that clean up leftover food and never bother guppies.
Can guppies live with snails?
Yes. Nerite snails, mystery snails, and ramshorn snails are all completely safe with guppies and help keep the tank clean.
Can male guppies live together?
Yes. Male-only guppy tanks are common and practical. Some chasing may occur, but a planted tank with adequate space keeps aggression minimal.
Do guppies eat shrimp?
Adult shrimp are usually safe. Guppies may eat very small baby shrimp. Dense planting dramatically improves shrimp survival in a community tank.
What size tank is best for a guppy community?
A 15–20 gallon aquarium gives you the best balance of stability, water quality, and flexibility for adding tank mates. Larger tanks are more forgiving of minor imbalances.
How many guppies should be kept together?
Guppies are social fish and do best in groups of at least 4–6. A species-only tank or a small community setup both work well.
Can guppies live with danios?
Yes, with caution. Zebra danios are very fast and active, which can occasionally stress slower fancy guppies. Celestial pearl danios are a calmer alternative that works better with fancy strains.
Do guppies need hiding places in a community tank?
Yes. Plants, driftwood, and decorations reduce stress for guppies and provide essential cover for fry. A planted community tank almost always produces healthier, more active guppies.
Can guppies live with swordtails?
Yes, in a 20 gallon or larger aquarium. Swordtails and guppies are closely related and share similar water requirements.
Can guppies live with dwarf gouramis?
Sometimes. Peaceful individuals work in larger planted tanks, but some dwarf gouramis can be territorial. Honey gouramis are a safer and more consistently peaceful alternative.
What fish should never be kept with guppies?
Oscars, large cichlids, tiger barbs, and goldfish should never be kept with guppies. These species are either too aggressive, too large, or incompatible in water requirements.
Can overcrowding cause aggression in guppy tanks?
Yes. Overcrowded tanks lead to stress, territory disputes, poor water quality, and increased disease risk across the entire community.
Can guppies live with endlers?
Yes. Endlers are one of the most compatible tank mates for guppies because they are closely related. They share identical water requirements and a peaceful temperament. The only consideration is that endlers and guppies can crossbreed, so keep them separate if you want to maintain pure strains.
What is the ideal male-to-female guppy ratio in a community tank?
A ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females is generally recommended. Too many males in a tank leads to constant chasing of females, which causes stress for both sexes. In a male-only tank, this is not a concern. For more detail, read our male vs female guppy guide.
How do I protect guppy fry in a community tank?
The most effective methods are dense planting — especially java moss — floating plants for surface cover, and breeding boxes placed inside the main tank. A dedicated fry tank is the safest option if you want high survival rates. For full guidance, read our guppy fry growth guide and guppy breeding guide.
Can guppies live with African dwarf frogs?
Sometimes. African dwarf frogs are peaceful and generally too slow to bother adult guppies. However, they may compete for food at the bottom, and they can occasionally eat very small fry. Feed frogs separately if possible and monitor closely after introduction.
Do guppies get stressed when new tank mates are added?
Yes, temporarily. Any change to the tank — new fish, rearranged decorations, a water change — can cause short-term stress in guppies. You may notice slightly paler colors or reduced activity for a day or two. This usually resolves on its own. If stress signs persist beyond a few days, the new tank mate may be the problem.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right guppy tank mates makes a genuine difference in the health, color, and lifespan of your fish. The best choices — corydoras, neon tetras, rasboras, shrimp, platies, and snails — are peaceful, share similar water requirements, and create a natural, active community that is a pleasure to watch.
Avoid aggressive fish, fin nippers, and species with very different water needs. Give your guppies a well-planted tank with adequate space, clean water, and compatible companions, and they will reward you with bright colors and active behavior for years.
For more on keeping guppies healthy, read our complete guppy care guide and guppy lifespan guide.
