Guppies and zebra danios are popular low-maintenance species of pet fish but can they live together? To answer this question, it is important to keep in mind not just the compatibility of the species but also if they thrive in similar environments.
Guppies and zebra danios can live together. Their personalities are compatible, as long as the aquarium has ample room to rest and hide. Small schools of guppies and zebrafish need about 20 gallons (74 liters) of water to accommodate both species. Water quality parameters that are optimal for guppies and zebrafish overlap, so there is a range suitable for both fish.
First, consider the living conditions both species of fish prefer.
Optimal Conditions For Guppies And Zebrafish
| Parameter | Guppies | Zebra Danios |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) | 64-77°F (18-25°C) |
| pH | 6.8-7.8 | 7.0-7.8 |
| Hardness | 8-12 | 5-19 |
| Space | 10 gallons (37L) for 6-8 | 10 gallons (37L) for 6-8 |
| Stillness | fast-moving water is fine in some areas but requires some still areas for rest | need still or slowly-moving water |
As you can see, the water quality parameters preferred by the two species do overlap. So, when it comes to the characteristics of their environment, Zebrafish and Guppies can coexist.
Environment Suitable For Both Species Of Fish
While Zebrafish can live in relatively cold water and do not typically need a tank heater, they do well in warmer water, too. Guppies are dependent on living in warm water and you would need to supply a heater to keep your Guppies healthy.
Setting the aquarium water to 75°F (24°C) is optimal if it hosts both zebra danios and guppies.
Both species like acidity above 7.0 and hardness of water around 10.
When it comes to space, although neither fish is especially demanding in this regard, keeping even very small schools of two different species warrants providing a spacious aquarium. Zebra Danios and guppies like to swim in the mid to upper part of the tank, both like large surface areas.
Although 20 gallons, or 74 liters, is a large volume for a tank, it is the minimum amount of space needed for small schools of fish – about six specimens of each kind of fish per school. Your fish could do fine in smaller volumes of water if other conditions are great but try to keep the schools smaller too, then. Four of each is still appropriate for these sociable fish.
| Parameter | Guppies & Zebra Danios |
| Temperature | 72-77 °F (22-25 °C) |
| pH | 7.0-7.8 |
| Hardness | 8-12 |
| Space | 20 gallons (74L) for schools of 6 guppies and 6 Zebrafish |
| Stillness | Still or slow-moving is best |
Do Guppies And Zebra Danios Get Along?
Zebrafish are peaceful, active, and appreciative of places to hide to sleep and as needed. They get along with other amicable species of fish.
It is, however, important to keep in mind that zebrafish are prone to nipping others’ fins, especially long, luxurious fins and tails. Guppies could certainly become a target.
As for Guppies, they are a friendly species, although there could be some behavioral outbursts during feeding time or if the guppy is ready to mate.
In general, the two kinds of fish should get along well in the right set of conditions.
How To Keep Zebrafish And Guppies Happy Together
Provide A Large Tank
If the tank has sufficient decorations and plants to provide good hideout spots for your fish, a 15-gallon (57-liter) aquarium could be fine. It might work particularly if you keep smaller schools of fish – four specimens of each kind.
Vertical space is not as important as horizontal space.
Larger tanks serve as buffers against changes in the environment, too. A temperature change will appear more gradual if the volume of water is larger, for example.
Keep The Ratios Appropriate
With these species of fish, it is important to keep schools of about equal numbers: five to six fish of each species is a good option.
As for male-to-female ratios, avoid placing too many males of either type of fish. One male for 2-4 females is usually a good number.
Keep The Environment Stable
Any change, especially sudden, is a stressor for the fish, even if it is still within the appropriate range of temperature, acidity, and so on.
An advantage of having a heater is that it allows for keeping the temperature constant, which is a major advantage for the fish.
The stability of the environment is essential to minimize any aggression, restlessness, and fin-nipping behavior.
Provide Plenty Of Hiding Places
Most fish need to rest in sheltered areas, without bright light and away from motion. Decorations, as long as they are not excessive, serve as excellent hideout spots. You can use either fake or real plants and plastic decorations.
Items in the tank also diffuse any current from the sources of bubbling and water movement in general, which is especially important for zebra danios.
Proper Nutrition
Both fish are omnivores and it is important to feed them enough but not too much and to provide a variety of food, including some meat-based options.
You can feed the two groups simultaneously, offering them food in different parts of the aquarium.
To Sum Up
Zebra danios and guppies are quite compatible and can do very well as neighbors but it is essential to pick the range of water quality parameters that is appropriate for both species. Zebrafish on their own do not require a heater for the aquarium but you should install one to keep the guppies well.
Providing an optimal environment for both should minimize any behavioral issues. In general, guppies and zebra danios are compatible tank mates and they should not mind each others’ company.
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