Can guppies live with tinfoil barbs?
Verdict
No
No. Guppies and tinfoil barbs should not share a tank. Tinfoil barbs nip fins, and the long fins of guppies are an easy target.
What to watch
- Deal breakerTinfoil barbs nip fins, and the long fins of guppies are an easy target.
- Watch outAt 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small guppy. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
- Watch outTinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for guppies.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–80°F.
- pH 6.8–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: guppies the top, tinfoil barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Guppy | Tinfoil barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82 °F | 72–80 °F |
| pH | 6.8–7.8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 2.0 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Top | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 3+ | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for guppies
Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs
Questions
Can guppies live with tinfoil barbs?
No. Guppies and tinfoil barbs should not share a tank. Tinfoil barbs nip fins, and the long fins of guppies are an easy target.
What temperature suits both guppies and tinfoil barbs?
72–80 °F. Guppies need 72–82 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.
What size tank do guppies and tinfoil barbs need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.