Quick answer
Guppys (Poecilia reticulata) are fishs found across South America. The colorful beginner's aquarium fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Quick, darting swimmer, and live 2–3 years. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fresh and brackish waters of northeastern South America and nearby Caribbean islands; introduced widely elsewhere.
Key takeaway
Guppys (Poecilia reticulata) are fishs found across South America. The colorful beginner's aquarium fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Quick, darting swimmer, and live 2–3 years. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fresh and brackish waters of northeastern South America and nearby Caribbean islands; introduced widely elsewhere.
Guppy overview
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.0002 kg; lifespan around 2–3 years.
Guppy ecology
Diet: Omnivore. Habitat: Warm fresh and brackish waters. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Guppys and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild guppys are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Guppy profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Guppies inhabit Fresh and brackish waters of northeastern South America and nearby Caribbean islands; introduced widely elsewhere. Their preferred habitat includes warm fresh and brackish waters, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult guppies typically measure about 0.04 m in length and weigh roughly 0.0002 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at Quick, darting swimmer when hunting or escaping predators. Guppys are known for the colorful beginner's aquarium fish — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Guppy FAQs
What are key facts about guppys?
Guppys (Poecilia reticulata) are fishs found across South America. The colorful beginner's aquarium fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Quick, darting swimmer, and live 2–3 years. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fresh and brackish waters of northeastern South America and nearby Caribbean islands; introduced widely elsewhere.
What is the scientific name of the guppy?
Poecilia reticulata — used in research and conservation listings for guppys.
What do guppys eat?
Guppys are described as omnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Warm fresh and brackish waters.
Where do guppys live?
They are associated with Warm fresh and brackish waters. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of guppys?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.