While looking at different species to live in the same tank, compatibility is of utmost importance.
The combination of Guppies and Rainbowfish works very well in the aquarium.
Guppies are the most cherished, versatile tropical fish grown in the aquarium. This is because Guppy fish have a peaceful nature and are social.
They can quickly adapt to all environments and are a favorite all around the world.
Rainbowfish are also a family of freshwater fish. They are quite popular as aquarium fish due to their colorful nature.
Rainbowfish stay in harmony with community fishes such as tetras and guppies. This is because of their peaceful nature.
Rainbowfish can also be found in aquariums across the world.
The only catch regarding their combination is that Rainbowfish (Boeseman’s) are a schooling fish and grow larger than Guppies. So to keep Rainbowfish and Guppies together, a large aquarium is needed.
Let us see what it takes for rainbow fish and Guppies to stay together
Rainbow Fish and Guppies – Compatibility Factors
Here are some factors that should be considered when you think of putting two or more species together in a community aquarium.
Water Specifications
All the fishes require a specific water condition. The fish that are to be kept together must thrive in the same water pH, temperature, and salinity.
Thankfully, Rainbowfish and Guppies have similar water needs.
Both thrive in the temperature range of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Both of them are freshwater fishes and thrive at a pH of 7-8.
Also read: What Should Be the Water Test Results of My Aquarium?
Size and Volume of the Aquarium
No matter how much we like to, we cannot buy all the fish and keep them in one place.
To make two species live together like Rainbowfish and Guppies, one needs to have a large community aquarium.
This will ensure an adequate amount of space is given to each fish.
It is especially crucial for Rainbowfish as they have their own schools. Rainbowfish like to be in schools of six or more. Start with a 55-gallon tank. The bigger, the better.
As the number of fishes increase, increase a gallon of water.
If you want to breed the two fishes, keep a Guppy male with three Guppy females and keep a Rainbowfish male with two Rainbowfish females.
The suggested ratio is ideal for breeding purposes.
Both the fishes can eat their fry. It is, therefore, a good idea to breed the fry in a separate area or make lots of hiding spaces so the fry can be safe.
Size of the Two Fishes
Sometimes big and small fish don’t go well together. Guppies are susceptible to predator fishes that can bite or nip them.
Rainbowfish are quite safe and do not bother guppies even though they become big.
Under suitable conditions, Guppies can reach between 1.5-2.5 inches.
Female Guppies usually grow up to 2.5 inches. Male Guppies can reach a maximum size of 1.5 inches.
Poor environmental conditions and certain genetic factors can limit the growth of Guppies.
Rainbowfish can grow up to 4-5 inches under normal conditions. The males here are larger and have intense colors on their bodies.
The female Rainbowfish are smaller(around 0.5 inches smaller) when compared to males and have dull colors.
Behavior Problems
Fishes that you wish to keep together should have no behavior or territorial problems.
Both Rainbowfish and Guppy fish are peace-loving fishes. Neither of them exhibits aggressive and territorial behavior or any behavioral issues that need to be controlled.
There is no aggression among the two species when placed together. Both the fishes are active and swim quite well.
Similar Dietary Habits
The fishes that are going to live together in a community aquarium need to have the same or similar diet.
Both Rainbowfish and Guppies are easily adaptable and eat most fish foods and live foods.
Both the fishes are omnivorous and love to eat brine shrimps, frozen food, fish food, algae, bloodworms, flakes, and even insect larvae like mosquitoes.
Being tropical fishes, they can eat a variety of foods.
An excellent method to maintain a clean, healthy environment for both the fishes is to feed one day and skip the next.
Tank-bred fishes can go without food without any issues. The amount of feed should be as much as they can finish in under five minutes.
Nature of Fish
It is good if both species of fish have a similar nature. This way, there is a balance in the environment.
Both Rainbowfish and Guppy fish are hardy fishes and have excellent ability to fight off diseases.
Below is a video where you can watch a peaceful and beautiful coexistence between the Rainbowfish and the Guppies.
Let us now know a bit about how to care for Guppies and Rainbowfishes.
How to Care for Guppies
Guppies are a great fish to start with.
They have a lifespan of about 1-3 years. The best thing about Guppies is that they breed very fast, and you will always have a supply of guppies in your aquarium.
A lone Guppy can become stressed and shy and ends up hiding in places. They prefer a group of 5-6 Guppies.
Avoid keeping fin nippers along with Guppies. Some examples are tiger barbs, bumblebee gobies, angelfish, cichlids, etc.
They are pretty inexpensive and light on the pocket. If you do not plan to breed, keep only 5-6 male Guppies together.
Guppies have shown mild aggression when males are kept together. It’s best to Keep one Guppy for every two gallons of water in the tank.
Although Guppies are hardy fishes, to keep them disease-free, give them optimal water conditions. Make sure to change and maintain the water in the tank. Feed them a varied diet and do not overcrowd them.
Follow the above advice, and you will always see active and healthy Guppies in your tank.
How to Care for Rainbowfish
They are called Rainbowfish because of the bright colors of the rainbow on their bodies. Rainbowfish, like Guppies, like to be in schools of 5-6.
The males may become aggressive towards each other during the breeding season. Keep more females if you have males. The ratio of males to females should be 1:2.
Rainbowfish like clean, fresh-water. Do a weekly â…“ change of water. Maintain optimal water conditions for them to grow and thrive.
Use a siphon vacuum regularly to clear away the debris from the substrate.
Rainbowfish like hiding places and live plants and love to play and hide. Keep some artificial areas and live plants for them to feel at ease in the aquarium.
They like to be fed, but overfeeding does more harm than good.
Follow the rule of fasting and feeding on alternative days, just like for Guppies, and give them only so much that they finish up within five minutes.
With a healthy diet, the right spacious aquarium, and water changes, you will soon see your Rainbowfish grow very fast with beautiful intense rainbow colors on them.
Conclusion
I hope I have given you all the information you have been looking for.
A combination of Rainbowfish and Guppies is an aquarist delight due to the vibrant intense colors on display.
Being peaceful and social, they both require almost the same water parameters and feed.
All you have to do is to keep them in a large tank, starting from 55 gallons and up to 75 gallons depending on their quantity.
Maintain your aquarium by keeping it clean and ensuring regular water changes. Make sure you feed both of them a variety of food for proper nutrition and strong growth.
Enjoy your colorful paradise with Rainbowfish and Guppies in your aquarium.
All the best.
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