Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
The guppy is a small freshwater fish widely bred for aquariums. Its native region lies in northern South America and nearby Caribbean islands, but introduced populations occur much farther afield.
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) photographed in an aquarium.
At a glance
- Location
- Wild Poecilia reticulata uses streams, springs, ponds and other vegetated waters. The continent filters describe its native region, including Caribbean islands; human introductions have established populations elsewhere.
- Habitat
- Rivers and lakes
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Food
- Zooplankton, small insects and detritus provide food.
Classification
- Common name
- Guppy
- Browse group
- Fish
- Scientific name or taxon
- Poecilia reticulata
- Taxon rank
- species
- Order
- Cyprinodontiformes
- Family
- Poeciliidae
- Genus
- Poecilia
- Source classification
- Actinopterygii
Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.
Three things to know
- It is widely bred for aquariums.
- It can live in small streams.
- Introduced populations occur outside its native range.
Habitat and range
Wild Poecilia reticulata uses streams, springs, ponds and other vegetated waters. The continent filters describe its native region, including Caribbean islands; human introductions have established populations elsewhere.
Appearance and adaptations
Guppies are small fishes with a conventional streamlined body. Selectively bred aquarium strains differ greatly in colour and fin form, so a domestic variety should not be used to identify every wild population.
Diet and behaviour
Zooplankton, small insects and detritus provide food. The species has been transported widely for aquariums and attempted mosquito control. Introduced populations can affect native aquatic communities.
Sources
- FishBase: Poecilia reticulata
- A–Z Animals: Guppy · Directory entry
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