For a 10-gallon tank, the recommended number of guppies varies depending on factors such as tank setup, filtration, and whether the guppies are male or female. Here are the general guidelines:
- A conservative and commonly suggested number is about 5 to 6 adult guppies in a 10-gallon tank. This is based on the "one inch of fish per gallon" rule, considering guppies grow to about 2 inches in length, so 5 guppies fit comfortably without overcrowding
- If you have good filtration, plants, and maintenance, you might keep up to 10-15 male guppies or 5-10 female guppies in a 10-gallon tank. Males are smaller, so more can fit, but females are larger and require more space
- Some experienced keepers suggest starting with around 4 or more guppies to meet their social needs, as guppies are social fish and can become stressed if kept alone or in very small groups
- For mixed groups, a typical recommendation is to keep more females than males to reduce stress and aggression, for example, 4 females and 1-2 males in a 10-gallon tank
- Overstocking beyond these numbers can lead to poor water quality, increased ammonia, stress, disease, and possible mortality unless very frequent water changes and excellent filtration are maintained
In summary, for a healthy and balanced 10-gallon guppy tank, aim for about 5-6 adult guppies, or up to 10-15 males with strong filtration and maintenance, keeping in mind social dynamics and tank conditions
