If you are wondering whether guppies and tetras can live together, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will analyze everything you need to know about tetras and guppies living together and whether they are suited for living together.
Creating an excellent community tank where the fish get along well with each other is the ultimate goal of every freshwater tank keeper.
While you cannot say for sure, some fish species are better suited for living in a community tank than others. Among the best fish for a community tank of small freshwater fish are both guppies and tetras.
While you can choose between the many variations of both fish species, there is one thing that is certain: both fish species are very peaceful and friendly, and will happily live in a community tank.
They even prefer to live in a container that is full of life, rather than live on their own. If you want to know more about keeping guppies and tetras together, then read on and find out.
Habitat and Tank Conditions
For a better understanding of the two species, let’s start by taking a look at the living habitat of both species and what tank conditions they prefer.
Let’s start with guppies. They are a freshwater species that are native to waters of South America primarily but are also found all over the world. They are also found in parts of Africa and Europe, as well as southeastern Asia and Florida.
A small contingent also lives in Australia. They are most commonly found in small streams and pools, but also fast-flowing waters. As for the tank conditions, guppies like it if you recreate their natural habitat conditions – 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit, 5.5 to 8.5 ph (neutral is ideal), plenty of vegetation, and a relatively lighted aquarium.
Tetras, on the other hand, are found in both Americas and Africa, but seem to be especially keen on waters in South America – Brazil and Peru seem to be the two countries where tetras are most spread.
As for the water they live in, they are found in blackwater streams as well as clearwater streams. Of course, there are hundreds of tetra species out there, but the majority of them like temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and neutral ph.
If we compare, these two fish are very similar and both like to live in the same conditions, which is why keeping these two species together would make a lot of sense.
Tetras and Guppies Diet
Guppies have adapted to having no abundance of food and are prepared to eat just about anything in the wild. Their primary source of food is mosquito larvae in the wild, but they also eat algae occasionally.
When you buy them food, you should look for high-quality pellets or flakes that contain all essential nutrients. Avoid cheap flakes with filler foods, and focus on quality instead.
You should supplement these flakes with live foods like shrimp or bloodworms, and with some vegetables like peas and lettuce from time to time.
As for tetras, the dietary requirements seem to be very similar to those of guppies. They are not especially fussy, and will happily feed on flakes or pellets.
Again, buy high-quality ones and supplement them from time to time. Frozen and live foods should be added to their diet sometimes, which will ensure that they will be happier and healthier.
Tank Mates for Tetras and Guppies
As tetras and guppies are both peaceful and friendly fish, they can easily be kept in the same aquarium. If you do intend to keep them together, you can still consider another fish species to keep them with.
For guppies, you can never go wrong with adding more guppies to the tank. Just make sure that they have enough space for themselves and ensure that they have at least 2 gallons of space per individual fish.
Other than more guppies, you can also consider other peaceful fish species such as mollies, platies, corydoras, gouramis, and of course, tetras.
For tetras, it is quite a similar story. You can always add other tetra species, as there are so many variations to choose from, and they will be happy with guppies as well.
Other than that, you can freely add rasboras, danios, mollies, platies, and other peaceful fish.
This goes for both fish species – keep aggressive and more substantial fish species away from them as they can get harmed.
Will Tetras Eat Guppy Fry?
If you want to breed small guppies, then fry consumption can become a problem. Of course, it can occur even with their species, as adult guppies often consume their fry. Tetras can also pose that problem, but it can, luckily, be resolved in many different ways.
You can, for example, get a separate breeding tank where you can keep the guppy fry and grow it there. Another solution is to get a breeding box or a separate container within the tank itself. That allows the guppy fry to live and grow in peace.
How Many Tetras and Guppies to Keep?
That is a valid question, and space within the tank can become a problem, especially if you don’t give enough of it to both.
The general rule is that both species require at least 2 gallons of space for an individual fish, so if you have a 10-gallon tank, then you shouldn’t keep more than 5 of both species.
Can You Keep Guppies and Tetras in 10-Gallon Tank?
You can keep them together, but they should be provided with enough space. In general, you can keep them together in a 10-gallon tank, but there should not be more than five fish altogether.
You should be wary of keeping to many fish in the same container and overstock it.
Conclusion
Guppies and tetras are peaceful fish species that can easily be kept in the same tank. Hopefully, you have learned everything there is to know about maintaining tetras and guppies together.