Have you ever wanted to bring a little bit of color and animation to your home? A pet guppy can do just that – and the best part is, there are many types of guppies to choose from! In this article, we’ll explore the many different guppy breeds, from wild-type guppies to tank-bred guppies, selectively bred guppies, tail-type guppies, pattern guppies, and color guppies.
With so many varieties, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your home.
Read on for some surprising facts about these delightful fish!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
There are more than 360 species of guppies, however only about 30 of them are commonly kept as aquarium fish.
They belong to the family Poeciliidae and are native to many countries in Central and South America.
Guppies come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, marble, and tuxedo.
What are Guppies?
Guppies, also known as Poecilia reticulata, are one of the most popular aquarium fish species.
They are native to South and Central America and can be found in freshwater and brackish water habitats.
Guppies are small, colorful fish that are prized for their vibrant colors and relatively easy care.
They usually measure between 2 and 4 inches in length and come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, blue, and green.
These beautiful fish are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Guppies are hardy and adaptable, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
They are peaceful fish that get along well with other species, and they can be kept in small groups or in larger aquariums.
Guppies are also easy to feed and will accept a variety of foods, including flake, freeze-dried, and live foods.
Wild-Type Guppies
Guppies, also scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, are one of the most popular aquarium fish species, prized for their vibrant colors and relatively easy care.
In fact, theyre so popular that theyve been bred in a variety of different types, each with their own unique color and pattern.
To understand how many types of guppies are there, lets start by taking a look at wild-type guppies.
Wild-type guppies are the most common type of guppies found in the wild and are typically a mix of colors.
They originate from warm freshwater streams and ponds in South America, from Venezuela to Brazil.
In the wild, they are typically gray or brown with some black speckles or spots.
Depending on their environment, wild-type guppies can also take on a more green or yellow hue, and they can also be solid black or white.
Wild-type guppies are usually found in large groups and they tend to be quite social.
They are quite hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, although they prefer water that is at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius.
They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live food such as worms and insects, as well as plant matter.
When it comes to breeding, wild-type guppies are quite prolific and can produce a large number of offspring.
They have been known to reproduce even in the absence of a mate, with the females producing eggs that are then fertilized by the male.
This is known as parthenogenesis and is quite common among fish species.
Wild-type guppies are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists who want to keep a low-maintenance aquarium fish that is easy to care for.
They are also a great choice for those looking to add some color and activity to their aquarium, as they are quite active and will often dart around the tank.
Tank-Bred Guppies
Tank-bred guppies are one of the most popular types of guppy fish available in the aquarium trade.
These guppy fish have been selectively bred to produce a variety of striking colors, patterns, and tail types.
Tank-bred guppies are typically bred in captivity, allowing for more control over their genetics and the development of their specific characteristics.
Tank-bred guppies usually have a more intense and vibrant coloration than wild-type guppies, with many featuring metallic sheen and iridescent colors.
Tank-bred guppies also come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and tail types, including solid colors, marbled patterns, and long, flowing tails.
Many of these guppies are specifically bred to produce new and unique color combinations, making them highly sought-after among aquarium hobbyists.
When choosing tank-bred guppies, its important to research the specific variety youre interested in.
Some varieties may require specific water parameters to keep them healthy, while others may be more sensitive to changes in water parameters.
Additionally, some varieties may require more frequent water changes and maintenance than others.
Researching the specific type of guppy youre interested in will help you ensure that youre providing the best care for them.
Selectively Bred Guppies
Selectively bred guppies are the result of careful breeding by aquarium hobbyists to create unique color patterns and shapes. These varieties of guppies are divided into three distinct categories: tail-type, pattern, and color. Tail-type guppies are the most popular type of selectively bred guppies and are classified based on their tail shape, which can range from round and fan-like to sword-shaped and lyre-shaped. Pattern guppies come in many different varieties, including snakeskin, cobra, spotted, tiger, and marble. Color guppies are the rarest type of selectively bred guppy, and they come in an array of vibrant colors including blue, red, yellow, white, and black. These colorful guppies are highly sought after by aquarium hobbyists, as they can add a unique and eye-catching touch to any tank.
Tail-Type Guppies
Tail-type guppies are a type of selectively bred guppy that are known for their unique and distinct tail shape.
These guppies are bred in order to produce a guppy with a tail that is longer or shorter than the standard tail length.
Tail-type guppies come in a variety of shapes, including round, lyre, flag, delta, and veiltail.
Additionally, these guppies can be bred to possess a combination of tail shapes, such as a delta/veiltail or a round/flag.
Tail-type guppies can also be bred to have particular colors or patterns, such as tiger or pinstripe.
Due to their unique tail shape, tail-type guppies are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists who are looking to add some visual interest to their tanks.
Pattern Guppies
Pattern guppies are one of the most interesting types of guppies and are prized for their unique patterns and colors.
These guppies are the result of a long history of selective breeding and can be divided into several distinct varieties.
The most common type of pattern guppy is the lyretail, which has a distinctive split tail and a variety of colors.
Other popular pattern guppies include the veil tail, which has a long, flowing tail with a patterned coloration, and the dalmatian guppy, which has large spots all over its body.
Pattern guppies come in a variety of colors, including blue, red, orange, white, and yellow, with each color having its own unique pattern.
These guppies are popular among aquarium hobbyists for their vibrant colors and unique patterns.
Color Guppies
Color guppies are among the most popular types of guppies, prized for their vibrant colors and relatively easy care.
These guppies may come in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, red, yellow, and orange.
They can also have a number of different patterns and markings, from stripes, dots, and spots to more intricate patterns like swirls and checkerboards.
Selectively bred color guppies have been bred to have specific colors and patterns.
Some breeders focus on creating guppy varieties with a single solid color, while others specialize in creating guppies with multiple colors in a patterned design.
Some of the most popular varieties include the cobra guppy, the tuxedo guppy, and the half-black guppy.
Color guppies are popular among aquarium hobbyists because of their bright colors and interesting patterns.
They are also relatively easy to care for, as long as they have access to clean water, plenty of food, and a comfortable tank environment.
Color guppies can live for several years if they are well taken care of, making them a great choice for aquariums of all sizes.
Final Thoughts
From wild-type, tank-bred, to tail-type, pattern, and color guppies, there are many types of guppies that aquarium hobbyists can choose from.
With their unique colors and patterns, these guppies are an eye-catching addition to any home aquarium.
To find the perfect guppy for your tank, why not try out a few of these types and see which ones you like best?