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guppy
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(Top) Male and (bottom) female guppies (Lebistes reticulatus) A colorful guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata, with an iridescent blue body and a large orange and black spotted tail, swims against a blurred green background.
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(Top) Male and (bottom) female guppies (Lebistes reticulatus)
(Top) Male and (bottom) female guppies (Lebistes reticulatus)

guppy

fish
Also known as: Lebistes reticulatus, Poecilia reticulata
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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guppy, (Poecilia reticulata or Lebistes reticulatus), colourful, live-bearing freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae, popular as a pet in home aquariums. The guppy is hardy, energetic, easily kept, and prolific. The male guppy, much the brighter coloured of the sexes, grows to about 4 centimetres (1 1/2 inches) long; the female is larger and duller in colour. Guppies have been bred in a number of ornate strains characterized by colour or pattern and by shape and size of the tail and dorsal fins. See also live-bearer.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.