Guppies or neon tetras: which freshwater fish should beginners choose?
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Guppies and neon tetras are among the fish most often recommended to beginners, but their needs are not identical. Comparing their temperament, tolerance to water fluctuations and budget helps you pick the right companion for a first tank. The fish hub gathers all our species and equipment guides.
Contents · 5 sections
What's the temperament difference between guppies and neon tetras?
The guppy is hardy, curious and adapts to imperfect water, which forgives beginner mistakes. The neon tetra, more delicate, needs stable, soft water and becomes noticeably more skittish if kept alone or in too small a group.
What water requirements does each species have?
- Guppy: tolerates slightly hard water and a variable pH, ideal while a cycling tank isn't yet perfectly stable.
- Neon tetra: prefers soft, acidic water closer to its native Amazonian habitat, with stable parameters over time.
- Minimum group size: 6 neon tetras versus 3 guppies for natural behaviour and lower stress.
What budget should you plan for each species?
A guppy averages €3-6 and a neon tetra €2-4, but a properly sized group of neon tetras often costs more upfront than a trio of guppies, not counting the water testing equipment needed to keep parameters stable.
A study by Magurran and Seghers, published in 1994 in Behaviour, shows that guppies quickly adjust their antipredator behaviour based on predation pressure in their home environment, a sign of the behavioural plasticity that explains their hardiness in an aquarium (original study).
Can guppies and neon tetras share the same tank?
The two species generally get along well in a planted aquarium of at least 60 litres, as long as you avoid too many male guppies, whose repeated chasing stresses neon tetras. Our guides on aquarium volume and setup detail the right sizing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the guppy really easier than the neon tetra for a first tank?
Yes, its tolerance to parameter swings makes it a better choice as long as the nitrogen cycle isn't fully under control yet.
Should neon tetras be avoided in a brand-new aquarium?
It's best to wait several weeks after setup, until the cycle stabilises, before adding neon tetras, which are sensitive to ammonia spikes.
How many guppies or neon tetras fit in a 60-litre tank?
Plan for around 8-10 guppies or 10-12 neon tetras in that volume, leaving room for other compatible species. Browse all our guides on the fish hub.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Mini USB aquarium air pump with tubing and air stone (€22.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Fishkeeping universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.