Can Guppy live with Zebra danio?

Temperature. Guppy does best at 18–28 °C (64–82 °F) and Zebra danio at 18–24 °C (64–75 °F). They share 18–24 °C.

Water. Their pH ranges overlap at 7–8.

Temperament and size. Guppy is peaceful and grows to 6 cm; Zebra danio is peaceful and grows to 5 cm. Guppy swims at the top and Zebra danio at the mid, which spreads them out.

Tank size and groups. Plan on at least 30 US gallons, the larger of the two cautious minimums. Keep Guppy in a group of 3+. Keep Zebra danio in a group of 8+. A starter mix of 3 Guppy and 8 Zebra danio in 30 gallons uses about 56% of the tank’s bioload capacity under our rules and grades B.

Keeping them together

• Feeding: both feed in open water. Feed small amounts two or three times a day so the slower eater gets its share.
• Aquascape: both are calmer with cover. Plants and floating cover make shy fish come out more, not less.
• Group size: a full group is not optional. A schooling fish kept in too small a group is stressed and more likely to nip or hide.
• Shrimp and snails: neither is a known invertebrate eater, but baby shrimp can still be eaten. Dense moss helps.
• Adding them: add the calmer species first and let it settle for a week or two before adding the other, and only once your tank has cycled.

Better matches for Guppy

These pass every rule with Guppy: Betta (male) · Bronze corydoras · Celestial pearl danio · Cherry barb · Chili rasbora · Dwarf gourami · Ember tetra · Endler's livebearer.

Open this pair in the checker Add your other fish to grade the whole tank.

Quick facts

Data from the Species Ledger, checked November 9, 2026, with at least two sources per species. Cautious community guidelines, not guarantees: individual fish vary. Not veterinary advice. Disagree? Tell us.