What Do Guppy Fish Eat: Do’s and Don’ts

The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a common aquarium fish that is often found in community tanks. It has the appearance of a small and short-finned catfish, with a head shaped like that of a pike. The guppy can reach up to 6 cm in length, but most are between 1.5-3 cm long.

Guppies are omnivorous and will eat both plant matter and live foods such as shrimp, worms, and crickets. They aren’t practically picky and will eat any type of fish food. The guppy is a schooling fish and can be kept in groups of three or more. They are generally peaceful with other species but may become aggressive when they feel threatened.

Guppies are known to be very hardy and adaptable, so they can live in many different types of water conditions. Still, you should be knowledgeable when it comes to the food that they should intake as well as the proper amount and frequency of feeding them.

Guppies elephant ears in a plant aquarium, macro photo

What Do Guppies Eat in the Wild?

The guppy ranges throughout the tropics and subtropics, including both freshwater and marine environments. They can also be found in both brackish and saltwater. They are known to live in areas with slow-moving or stagnant water. In the wild, they mostly feed on algae, insect larvae, small fishes, and other aquatic invertebrates.

What Should You Feed Your Pet Guppies?

Flake Foods

Flake food is a great option for providing your guppy with ample nutrients. Flake food is high in both protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect choice for those who are looking for top-notch nutritional value. Additionally, flakes are easy to mix, so you can create any flavor profile that you’d like – there’s no shortage of options when it comes to flake food!

Pellets

One of the easiest and most popular homemade foods for guppies is flakes or pellets. Pellets are high in protein, and your guppy will love having them as their main source of nutrition. Plus, pellets are easy for your guppy to swallow – they’ll be able to eat them easily without needing any assistance from you.

Krill Meal

A type of food that contains vitamins and minerals as well as protein. Krill can be fed as a snack or mixed into their regular diet. This is a good option if you want to feed your guppy something that contains more than just proteins. Krill meal contains vitamins and minerals that can help your guppy stay healthy.

Granules

If you’re looking for a more challenging food to provide your guppy with, granules may be the perfect fit. Granules are high in fiber, which can help fill your guppy’s stomach and keep them feeling full. Additionally, granules often come in flavors that your guppy will love – so chances are good that they’ll be able to find something that they enjoy eating.

General Aquarium Fish Food

This is a good option for all types of fish and can be found at most stores. It is high in protein and contains ingredients such as shrimp, squid, and algae.

Live Insect

Feeding your guppy live insects can help to provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. This is a great way to add some excitement and variety into their life. Domestic guppies will also feed on crickets, worms, waxworms, shrimps, and other live foods.

Fruits

Feeding your guppy fruits can be a great way to provide them with essential nutrients and vitamins. Guppies are known for being avid eaters, so offering them something delicious regularly is important. Some of the most common types of fruit that can be fed to guppies include grapes, apples, oranges, bananas, and strawberries.

Wet Food

If you’re looking for food that your guppy can eat without needing any assistance from you, wet food may be the perfect option. Wet food contains high levels of water – which means that it’s easy for your guppy to swallow. Plus, wet food often comes in flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest little fish.

fancy guppy in aquarium

How Often Should You Feed Guppies?

Feeding guppies regularly is important for their overall health and well-being. Ideally, you should feed them once or twice a day, but some fish may eat more frequently than others. You’ll want to watch your guppy closely and take note of what they seem to be eating most – this will help you determine when they need food. Generally though, one of those two meals should be live food.

How to Prepare Guppy Food?

There are a variety of ways to prepare your guppy food. You can buy premade food, or you can create your recipes using fresh ingredients. You can also make snacks from simple ingredients, like crushed-up fish pellets or fruit strips. Experiment and find what works best for your guppies!

How to Feed Your Guppy Fish?

The best way to feed your guppy fish is by carefully putting the food inside the aquarium and in an area where your guppies are gathered. This allows you to ensure that the food reaches your guppy’s mouth and stomach easily, and it also helps prevent any snacks from getting stuck in their teeth! When giving your guppies food, be sure to drench them in water first. This will help keep them cool while they eat, and it will also help flush any toxins that may have been ingested.

What Do Guppy Fry Eat?

Baby guppies eat a variety of foods, depending on their age and size. In general, baby guppies should eat small fishy meals twice a day. As they grow bigger and start eating other things, such as insects or vegetable matter, their diet will slowly change over time.

What Other Food Can Guppies Eat?

Blue Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata var. “Blue Moscow”)

Can Guppies Eat Betta Food?

Yes, guppies can eat betta food. However, it is important to note that the nutritional requirements of bettas and guppies are very different. Bettas need a high-protein diet, while guppies do not – so feeding them the same type of food could be harmful. Instead, make sure to give your guppies just a small amount of betta food as a snack, and bettas should have their separate dish as a complete meal.

Can Guppies Eat Bread?

No, guppies are not able to digest bread very well. Although some people have been known to give it to their fish as a treat, this is not generally recommended due to the risk of illness. In addition, bread is very high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Can Guppies Eat Eggs?

Yes, guppies can eat eggs. However, it is important to note that they are not a good source of protein for guppies. Instead, they should be fed a high-protein diet that includes various types of meaty foods. In addition, make sure to feed your guppies fresh, whole eggs that have been cut to tiny pieces rather than processed ones.

Can Guppies Eat Goldfish Food?

Yes, goldfish food can be given to guppies. However, it is important to remember that goldfish are much higher in nutritional content than guppies, so only feed them a small amount at a time. Also, make sure not to over-feed your fish as this could lead to excess weight and health problems.

What Vegetables Can You Feed Guppies?

Guppies are omnivorous, so they can eat a variety of vegetables. However, it is important to remember that their nutritional requirements are different from those of goldfish or bettas. Make sure to give your guppy just a small amount at a time and avoid giving them too many high-calorie vegetables. You can feed your guppies a variety of vegetables including cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and peas. Make sure to provide them with fresh food that is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Can Guppies Eat Processed Foods?

No, guppies do not generally eat processed foods. They are quite selective when it comes to their diet and prefer fresh, whole foods. Instead of processed food, give your guppy a high-protein diet that includes various types of live insects and foods.

Can Guppies Eat Beef or Chicken?

No, beef or chicken is not suitable for feeding guppies. These types of meats contain high levels of toxins and other chemicals that could harm your fish. Instead, offer them a variety of fresh foods including vegetables, fruits, and live insects.