Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Lyretail Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
From South America (Venezuela, Trinidad, northern Brazil, the Guyanas, Barbados)1
At a glance the quick version
Males typically 2.5-3.5 cm, females 4-6 cm; maximum recorded 6 cm SL for females.
Looks how to spot one
scales
The lyretail guppy has a deeply forked, lyre-shaped tail fin with two symmetrical lobes, the upper one longer and more pointed. The body is slender and slightly compressed, typical of guppies.5
Personality what they are like
Lyretail guppies are peaceful and sociable, well suited to community tanks. Males may occasionally nip each other or other top swimmers, but serious aggression is rare. They should not be kept alone as they are shoaling fish.63
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate activity. They enjoy swimming in open water but also need hiding places among plants or rocks. A tank of at least 10 gallons (38 litres) is recommended.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to care for once acclimatised. Maintain stable water temperature (18-28°C, ideally 25.5-27.8°C), pH 6.5-8.0, and hardness 143-536 ppm. Regular water changes and a gentle filter are important. Avoid fin-nipping tankmates.36
Home where they are happiest
A minimum 10-gallon aquarium with low to moderate water flow. Provide plenty of live plants, rocks or decorations for hiding. Floating plants are helpful for fry survival. Water should be warm and hard; they tolerate brackish conditions up to 150% seawater salinity.46
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of high-quality flake or micro-granule food, plus live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and spirulina. A pigment-rich diet helps maintain bright colours.42
Company who they like around
Keep in groups of three or more, with a ratio of two females to one male to prevent harassment. They are peaceful and suitable for community tanks, but avoid fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or large predatory fish.34
The story where it all began
The lyretail guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). It was first developed in the early 1900s by breeding wild guppies from South America for their distinctive lyre-shaped tail fin. Today it is bred worldwide and comes in many colours and patterns.5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lyretail Guppy. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lyretail Guppy?
Feed your Lyretail Guppy small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. Offer a varied diet of high-quality flake and live or frozen foods for best health.42 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Lyretail Guppy eat, and what should it never eat?
Lyretail Guppies are omnivores and enjoy high-quality flake or micro-granule food, plus live or frozen treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Avoid feeding anything not designed for fish; if unsure, ask your vet for safe options.42
How much space does a Lyretail Guppy need?
A single Lyretail Guppy needs at least 10 gallons (38 litres) of space, especially when kept in a group. They are active swimmers and appreciate room to explore.4
What temperature, light or water does a Lyretail Guppy need?
Keep the water temperature stable between 18-28°C, ideally 25.5-27.8°C, with pH 6.5-8.0 and hardness 143-536 ppm. Provide low to moderate water flow and plenty of live plants for hiding.364
How often should I clean a Lyretail Guppy's home?
Clean your Lyretail Guppy's home by changing about 25% of the water weekly and cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water to maintain good water quality. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Lyretail Guppy live with others?
Yes, Lyretail Guppies are peaceful and sociable, perfect for community tanks. Keep them in groups of three or more with a ratio of two females per male, and avoid fin-nipping tankmates like tiger barbs.34
How long does a Lyretail Guppy live?
With proper care, a Lyretail Guppy typically lives 1 to 3 years. Provide stable conditions and a good diet to help them thrive.32
Can I handle a Lyretail Guppy?
It's best not to handle your Lyretail Guppy as they are delicate and easily stressed. For any handling needs, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for guidance.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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PlatyWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- fishbase.se: Poecilia reticulata fishbase.seused for origin, length cm
- aquariology.org: poecilia reticulata guppy technical profile aquariology.orgused for length cm, lifespan years, diet basics
- realaquatics.co.uk: fish profiles lyretail guppy realaquatics.co.ukused for lifespan years, temperament, grooming or care, social needs, fun fact
- liveaquaria.com: lyretail guppy male liveaquaria.comused for colours, best traits, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
- aquariumfishsource.com: lyretail guppy poecilia reticulata care guide breeding tank setup and aquariumfishsource.comused for coat or body, best traits, history
- en.wikipedia.org: Guppy en.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, fun fact
- aquariumstockingcalculator.com: lyretail guppy aquariumstockingcalculator.com
- aquariumfishonline.com.au: guppy premium lyretail assorted male poecilia reticulata 3cm aquariumfishonline.com.au
Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.