Guppy

The guppy, *Poecilia reticulata*, is a small freshwater fish belonging to the family Poeciliidae. Native to northeastern South America, it has been introduced worldwide and is found in diverse tropical and subtropical aquatic habitats. Guppies are highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including brackish water. Sexual dimorphism is prominent; males are typically smaller and exhibit brighter coloration and more elaborate finnage than females. Wild-type females are generally gray. Selective breeding has resulted in numerous ornamental strains with varied colors, patterns, and fin shapes. Guppies are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live young. Their natural diet consists of algae and small invertebrates. They are often used in mosquito control due to their propensity to consume mosquito larvae. Male guppies typically reach a length of 1.5 to 3.5 cm, while females grow to 3 to 6 cm.