Choosing the right guppy tank mates is important for creating a peaceful and healthy aquarium. While guppies are friendly community fish, the wrong tank mates may lead to stress, fin nipping, aggression, or even dead guppies.
Many beginners assume guppies can live with any tropical fish, but that is not true. Some fish constantly bully guppies, while others may eat guppy fry or outcompete them for food.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best guppy tank mates that actually work in real aquariums, along with fish you should completely avoid.
Whether you have a 10 gallon,15 gallon or 20 gallon guppy tank, a planted community aquarium, or a fancy guppy setup, this guide will help you build a peaceful and healthy tankmates fro your guppy fish.
Quick Navigation
What Makes a Good Guppy Tank Mate?
Quick Compatibility Chart
25 Best Guppy Tank Mates
Best Tank Mates for Fancy Guppies
Male 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 Guppy Tank Mates Eat Fry?
Fish to Avoid with Guppies
Why Some Guppy Community Tanks Fail
Signs Your Guppy 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 are peaceful fish that enjoy similar water parameters, temperatures and similar temparament to Guppies.
Compatible guppy tank mates should ideally:
→ Be peaceful
→ Avoid fin nipping
→ Prefer similar water temperatures
→ Tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline water
→ Stay relatively small mostly
Because guppies have colorful flowing fins, aggressive fish may chase or nip them constantly. Fancy guppies are especially vulnerable because their large tails slow them down.
A peaceful community setup may reduce stress, improve activity, and help guppies display brighter colors.
If your guppies constantly hide or behave nervously, read our guide on why guppies hide.
Quick Compatibility Chart for Guppy Tank Mates
| Fish | Compatibility | 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 |
25 Best Guppy Tank Mates
1. Neon Tetras
Neon tetra and guppy tank combinations are very popular because both species are peaceful and active.
Neon tetras prefer schools of at least 6 fish and usually thrive in planted aquariums. They are among the safest schooling fish for guppies and work especially well in community tanks with live plants.
2. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras are excellent bottom dwellers for guppy tanks. These peaceful catfish help clean leftover food and rarely bother other fish.
Pygmy corydoras are especially suitable for smaller aquariums. Corydoras are often considered one of the safest guppy tank mates for beginners.
3. Platies
Platy and guppy tank combinations are common because both are peaceful livebearers with similar care requirements.
Platies are colorful, beginner-friendly, and usually adapt well to community tanks.
4. Mollies
Molly and guppy tank setups can work well in larger aquariums.
However, some mollies may become territorial in small tanks, especially if overcrowded. A 20 gallon aquarium or larger is usually safer when mixing mollies and guppies.
5. Endlers
Endler guppy tank mates are very compatible because endlers are closely related to guppies.
They are active, colorful, and peaceful community fish.
However, endlers and guppies may crossbreed.
6. Cherry Barbs
Cherry barbs are among the few barb species that are generally peaceful enough for guppy tanks.
Unlike tiger barbs, cherry barbs are less likely to nip fins.
7. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras are peaceful schooling fish that enjoy planted aquariums and calm community setups.
They generally coexist well with guppies.
8. Honey Gouramis
Honey gouramis are one of the most peaceful gourami species.
They may work well as centerpiece fish in larger guppy aquariums.
9. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches are peaceful eel-like fish that spend most of their time hiding and scavenging near the bottom.
They are excellent for peaceful community tanks with soft substrate and plenty of hiding places.
10. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus are small algae-eating catfish that work very well in planted guppy aquariums.
They are peaceful and rarely bother other fish.
11. Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are tiny peaceful schooling fish that work very well in planted nano aquariums along with guppy fish.
12. Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras are colorful peaceful fish that thrive in stable tropical aquariums.
13. Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are active schooling fish, though they may occasionally stress slower fancy guppies.
14. Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos may work in larger aquariums and help control algae naturally.
15. Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp are excellent algae eaters and peaceful community tank cleaners.
16. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are peaceful invertebrates that help clean leftover food and algae.
17. Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are peaceful algae eaters and usually fully compatible with guppies.
18. Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are excellent cleanup crew members for peaceful community aquariums.
19. Swordtails
Swordtails may coexist with guppies in larger tanks with enough swimming space.
20. Panda Corydoras
Panda corydoras are peaceful bottom dwellers ideal for planted tanks.
21. Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy nose tetras are active schooling fish that enjoy stable water conditions.
22. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White cloud minnows are peaceful fish, though they usually prefer slightly cooler temperatures.
23. Celestial Pearl Danios
These colorful nano fish may work well in planted guppy aquariums.
24. Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp help clean leftover food and remain peaceful toward guppies.
25. Ramshorn Snails
Ramshorn snails are peaceful scavengers that help consume leftover waste and algae.
Best Tank Mates for Fancy Guppies
Fancy guppy tank mates should be especially peaceful and less fin nipping because fancy guppies have long flowing fins.
Good choices include:
→ Corydoras
→ Neon tetras
→ Harlequin rasboras
→ Endlers
→ Honey gouramis
→ Shrimp
Fancy guppies should usually avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish. If your fancy guppy appears stressed or inactive, read our guide on guppy fish lifespan.
Male Guppy Tank Mates
Male guppy tanks are popular because male guppies are usually more colorful and avoid constant breeding.
Good male guppy tank mates include:
→ Corydoras
→ Neon tetras
→ Rasboras
→ Otocinclus catfish
→ Shrimp
Male guppies may occasionally chase each other, but heavily planted tanks often reduce aggression naturally.
Best Bottom Dwellers for Guppy Tanks
Bottom dwellers help utilize unused tank space while keeping the aquarium active and clean.
Good bottom dwellers include:
→ Corydoras
→ Kuhli loaches
→ Otocinclus
→ Bristlenose plecos
These fish usually ignore guppies and remain peaceful.
Guppy Tank Mates for 10 Gallon Tanks
A 10 gallon guppy tank has limited space, so tank mates should remain small and peaceful.
Good guppy tank mates for 10 gallon tanks include:
→ Pygmy corydoras
→ Chili rasboras
→ Ember tetras
→ Endlers
→ Cherry shrimp
→ Nerite snails
Avoid overcrowding because smaller aquariums become unstable quickly. If you are unsure about stocking levels, read our guide on how many guppies in a 10 gallon tank.
Best Guppy Tank Mates for 20 Gallon Tanks
A 20 gallon aquarium gives you much more flexibility when building a peaceful guppy community tank.
Good options include:
→ Mollies
→ Honey gouramis
→ Larger tetra schools
→ Kuhli loaches
→ Bristlenose plecos
Larger tanks are usually more stable and less stressful for guppies.
Can Guppies Live with Shrimp?
Yes, guppies can often live with shrimp successfully.
Popular shrimp choices include:
→ Cherry shrimp
→ Amano shrimp
→ Ghost shrimp
However, some guppies may eat baby shrimp if there are not enough hiding places. Live plants and moss help shrimp survive more easily in community tanks.
Can Guppies Live with Snails?
Snails are usually excellent guppy tank mates.
Popular choices include:
→ Nerite snails
→ Mystery snails
→ Ramshorn snails
Snails help consume algae and leftover food while adding variety to the aquarium.
Do Guppy Tank Mates Eat Fry?
Many community fish may eat guppy fry if given the opportunity.
Fish that commonly eat guppy fry include:
→ Tetras
→ Mollies
→ Gouramis
→ Danios
→ Angelfish
If you want higher fry survival rate for your guppy fries, use:
→ Dense plants
→ Java moss
→ Breeding boxes
→ Separate fry tanks
If your female guppy is close to giving birth, read our guide on pregnant guppy stages and signs.
Fish to Avoid with Guppies
Some fish are poor guppy tank mates because they are aggressive, territorial, or fin nippers.
Fish to avoid include:
→ Tiger barbs
→ Large cichlids
→ Oscars
→ Aggressive bettas
→ Jack dempseys
→ Large gouramis
Goldfish and guppy tank combinations are usually not recommended because goldfish prefer cooler water and may eventually eat guppies.
Why Some Guppy Community Tanks Fail
Many guppy community tanks fail because of:
→ Overstocking
→ Fin nippers
→ Poor water quality
→ Aggressive fish
→ Lack of hiding spots
Stress from bad tank mates may weaken the immune system and increase disease risk in guppies.
If your guppies stop eating or become inactive, read our guide on why guppies stop eating.
Signs Your Guppy Tank Mates Are Not Compatible
Watch out for guppies with:
→ Torn fins
→ Constant chasing
→ Hiding behavior
→ Loss of color
→ Surface gasping
→ Stress swimming
→ Missing fry
If you notice aggression, separate the fish quickly.
Water Parameters for Community Tanks
The best guppy tank mates usually enjoy similar tropical water conditions.
Recommended water parameters include:
→ Temperature: 72°F–80°F
→ pH: 7.0–7.8
→ Ammonia: 0 ppm
→ Nitrite: 0 ppm
→ Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Stable water quality is very important in community aquariums.
For a full guide, read our article on guppy water parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best guppy tank mates?
Popular guppy tank mates include neon tetras, corydoras, rasboras, platies, endlers, shrimp, and snails.
Can guppies live with mollies?
Yes, mollies and guppies can often live together in larger aquariums with stable water conditions.
Can guppies live with bettas?
Sometimes, but aggressive bettas may attack guppies because of their colorful fins.
Can guppies live with goldfish?
Usually not. Goldfish prefer cooler water and may eventually eat guppies.
Can guppies live with shrimp?
Yes, though some guppies may eat baby shrimp if hiding places are limited.
What fish should not live with guppies?
Aggressive fish, fin nippers, and large predatory species should usually be avoided.
Can guppies live with neon tetras?
Yes. Neon tetras are among the most common and peaceful guppy tank mates.
How many guppies can live in a 10 gallon tank?
Small groups may work in a 10 gallon tank, but overcrowding should be avoided.
Can guppies live with corydoras?
Yes. Corydoras are peaceful bottom dwellers and excellent community fish.
Do guppies eat shrimp?
Adult shrimp are usually safe, but baby shrimp may occasionally be eaten.
Can guppies live with angelfish?
Usually not recommended because angelfish may nip fins or eat smaller guppies.
Do guppies need live plants?
Live plants are highly recommended because they reduce stress, improve water quality, and provide hiding spots for fry.
Can guppies live with bettas?
Guppies and bettas may sometimes live together, but it is risky because bettas may nip the colorful flowing tails of guppies, especially fancy males.
Can guppies live with angelfish?
Small guppies are usually not recommended with angelfish because angelfish may become aggressive or eat guppy fry as they grow larger.
What are the safest tank mates for guppies?
Peaceful community fish like corydoras, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, platies, shrimp, and snails are usually among the safest guppy tank mates.
Can guppies live with shrimp?
Yes. Guppies usually live peacefully with Amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, and ghost shrimp, although some adult guppies may occasionally eat tiny baby shrimp.
Can guppies live with goldfish?
No. Goldfish prefer colder water temperatures and may stress guppies or outcompete them for food.
Can guppies live with mollies?
Yes. Mollies and guppies often live together successfully because they share similar water parameter requirements.
Do guppies attack other fish?
Guppies are generally peaceful fish, but male guppies may occasionally chase each other during breeding or competition.
Can guppies live with neon tetras?
Yes. Neon tetras are one of the most popular peaceful schooling fish kept with guppies in community aquariums.
Can guppies live with corydoras catfish?
Yes. Corydoras are peaceful bottom dwellers that rarely bother guppies and help clean leftover food from the substrate.
Can guppies live with snails?
Yes. Nerite snails, mystery snails, and ramshorn snails are usually completely safe with guppies.
Do guppy tank mates eat guppy fry?
Yes. Many community fish may eat baby guppies if fry are not separated or given enough hiding places like plants or moss.
Can guppies live in a community tank?
Yes. Guppies are among the best community fish because of their peaceful behavior and adaptability.
How many guppies should be kept together?
Guppies are social fish and usually do best in groups of at least 4–6 fish.
Can male guppies live together?
Yes. Male-only guppy tanks are very common and help prevent overbreeding, though occasional chasing may still occur.
Can guppies live with tiger barbs?
No. Tiger barbs are aggressive fin nippers and may constantly harass fancy guppies.
Do guppies need hiding places in community tanks?
Yes. Plants, driftwood, and decorations help reduce stress and give guppies safe resting areas.
Can guppies live with dwarf gouramis?
Sometimes. Peaceful gouramis may work in larger planted tanks, but aggressive individuals can stress guppies.
What size tank is best for guppy community tanks?
A 15–20 gallon aquarium usually provides better stability and swimming space for guppies and their tank mates.
Can guppies live with bottom feeders?
Yes. Peaceful bottom feeders like corydoras and otocinclus catfish are excellent companions for guppies.
Can overcrowding cause aggression in guppy tanks?
Yes. Overcrowded aquariums may increase stress, bullying, disease spread, and poor water quality.
Can guppies live with frogs?
Sometimes. African dwarf frogs may coexist with guppies in peaceful aquariums, though feeding competition can occur.
Can guppies live with danios?
Yes. Zebra danios and celestial pearl danios may live with guppies, though zebra danios can sometimes be overly active for fancy strains.
Do guppies get lonely?
Guppies are social fish and usually behave more naturally and actively when kept in groups.
Can guppies live with swordtails?
Yes. Swordtails and guppies may coexist in larger aquariums with enough swimming space.
What fish should never be kept with guppies?
Aggressive fish like oscars, cichlids, tiger barbs, and large angelfish are generally poor tank mates for guppies.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guppy tank mates can make a huge difference in the health, activity, and lifespan of your fish. Peaceful community fish like corydoras, tetras, rasboras, shrimp, and mollies usually work best with guppies. On the other hand, aggressive or fin-nipping fish may constantly stress guppies and shorten their lifespan.
Always remember that tank size, water quality, hiding spots, and proper stocking play a major role in maintaining a peaceful aquarium.
With the right setup, guppies can thrive in beautiful and active community tanks for years.