How many Guppy (Fancy) in a 29 gallon tank?

A 29-gallon (110 L) tank comfortably holds about 11–16 Guppy (Fancy) as a single-species display — a conservative range that leaves room for tankmates and a margin for error.

Guppy (Fancy) key facts

Key facts — Guppy (Fancy) (Poecilia reticulata)
Adult size5 cm
Minimum tank10 US gal
Minimum group3+ (pair/group)
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature range22–28°C
pH range7–8
BioloadLow
Swim levelAll levels
Beginner-friendlyYes
Sources & confidence (1 species)

This backs the Guppy (Fancy) size, tank and group figures used here. Each figure is read from the TankStocking species database (v2026.06); below is the care reference behind it and how confident we are in that data. Confidence reflects the source quality, not whether any pairing is safe. Full source list and the welfare model are on the methodology page.

  • Guppy (Fancy) Poecilia reticulata — Aquarium Co-Op guppy care guide / FishBase Poecilia reticulata high confidence

TankStocking sizes this from a per-species footprint — the territory and waste a single Guppy (Fancy) needs in a comfortable display tank — rather than the unreliable "inch per gallon" rule. On that basis a 29-gallon tank comfortably suits about 11–16 Guppy (Fancy). Keep a minimum of 3 — Guppy (Fancy) is a social species that suffers in smaller groups. This is a comfortable display range, not a hard ceiling: stocking lighter keeps water quality stable and leaves headroom for tankmates and growth.

TankStocking's bio-load gauge alone would not flag a tank this size as over-stocked until roughly 29 Guppy (Fancy) — but that is a model maximum, not the recommended number. It leaves no headroom for water-quality swings, tankmates, or growth, so treat 11–16 as the comfortable target.

Their one vulnerability is their long, colourful tails, which fin-nippers like tiger barbs will shred. Otherwise guppies are unusually easy to stock around — the engine clears most peaceful community species, from corydoras to small tetras and dwarf cichlids. Plan for breeding: a mixed-sex group multiplies fast.

Want a community rather than a single-species tank? The Guppy (Fancy) tank mates guide lists the species the engine clears with Guppy (Fancy).

16× Guppy (Fancy)

✓ Good starter plan

16× Guppy (Fancy)

About 11–16 Guppy (Fancy) is a comfortable display level for 29 gallons — fewer is always safer, and leaves headroom for tankmates.

Load this build in the planner ↑
Test your real plan: the planner below is pre-set to 29 gallons. Add Guppy (Fancy) and any tankmates to see a live verdict and stocking estimate.

Your tank

no size set

Pick a common size, or enter your own dimensions.

Inside dimensions

Add fish & invertebrates

Search 126 freshwater species by name or group.

      Verdict

      Common questions

      How many Guppy (Fancy) can I keep in a 29-gallon tank?

      A 29-gallon (110 L) tank comfortably holds about 11–16 Guppy (Fancy) as a single-species display — a conservative range that leaves room for tankmates and a margin for error.

      What size tank do Guppy (Fancy) need?

      Guppy (Fancy) need at least 10 US gallons, kept in a group of 3 or more. Bigger is better — more water means more stable parameters and more room to stock tankmates.

      More on stocking Guppy (Fancy)

      Related guides on TankStocking — each scored by the same welfare engine as the planner.

      Stocking numbers are planning estimates — filtration, planting, and maintenance all shift the real ceiling. Cycle the tank and stock gradually. How this estimate works →