Guppies can be kept alone, but the following points need to be noted:
1. Feasibility of Keeping Guppies Alone
Adult guppies: They can be kept alone, but it is recommended to keep at least 3-5 of them. As schooling fish, a single guppy may feel lonely or stressed.
Juvenile guppies: Keeping them alone is not recommended. Group living can reduce stress and improve their survival rate.
2. Pros and Cons of Keeping Guppies Alone
Pros
Prevents fights or hybridization with other fish.
Makes it easier to monitor their health condition.
Cons
Long-term solitary keeping may lead to reduced vitality in guppies.
Mating is required for reproduction, so solitary guppies cannot reproduce naturally.
3. Conditions for Keeping Guppies Alone
Tank size: At least 20 liters to provide sufficient swimming space.
Tank setup: Aquatic plants and hiding spots (such as driftwood and clay pots) can help reduce stress.
Water quality management: Maintain the water temperature between 24-28℃ and pH level between 6.5-7.5, and change the water regularly.
4. Solitary Keeping for Breeding
If you plan to breed guppies, it is advisable to isolate pregnant female guppies separately to prevent other fish from eating the fry.
5. Recommendations for Community Tank
If you prefer not to keep guppies alone, you can choose to keep them with gentle small fish (such as tetras and platyfish). Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish species.
Summary
Guppies can be kept alone, but it is better to keep them in a small group (3 or more). Providing a good environment is essential to ensure their health and vitality.