Species · GBIF taxon 2350050
Guppy
Poecilia reticulataAlso known as Millionfish, Rainbow Fish
Guppies are prolific live-bearing fish native to northern South America and the Caribbean, now established worldwide as biological mosquito control and ornamental aquarium pets. Males feature vibrant, highly individualized spots and iridescent tail fans that evolved through female mate choice, while larger females display subtle silver hues. Their rapid reproduction rate enables populations to double in weeks under warm, nutrient-rich conditions.
FreshwaterLivebearerColorful
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquito Larvae
- Benthic Algae
- Zooplankton
Predators
- Cichlids
- Aquatic Birds
- Dragonfly Nymphs
ThreatsHabitat pollution, introduced aquatic predators, aquatic invasive species competition
HabitatsTropical streams, ponds, ditches, and vegetated river margins
Life span1–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCyprinodontiformes
- FamilyPoeciliidae
- GenusPoecilia
- SpeciesPoecilia reticulata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look along shallow, vegetated banks of warm streams or quiet ditches where males perform courtship displays.
- Mosquito Control: Recognized globally as effective surface feeders that consume aquatic insect larvae in stagnant waters.
Image unavailableFrequent Companion 
Frequent Companion (c) Allie_Caulfield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Dgrummon, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), some rights reserved (CC BY) / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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