Guppy and Oscar Compatibility Overview
Short answer: No. Oscars will eat adult guppies. Keep them in separate tanks, or pick one of the safer tank mates listed below.
Guppy and Oscar are generally not recommended to be housed together. Oscars will eat adult guppies. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Guppy | Oscar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72โ82ยฐF | 74โ81ยฐF | โ 74โ81ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.8โ8.5 | 6.0โ8.0 | โ 6.8โ8.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | โ Risk |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 14 in | โ 6ร difference |
| Min. Group | 3+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Guppy โ Poecilia reticulata
Hardy and colourful livebearers. Males' long flowing tails make them targets for fin-nipping species. Very prolific breeders.
Oscar โ Astronotus ocellatus
Intelligent but aggressive cichlids that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Require large tanks (75+ gallons) and robust tank mates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Guppy live with Oscar?
Generally not recommended. Guppy and Oscar are generally not recommended to be housed together. Oscars will eat adult guppies. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Guppy and Oscar together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Guppy and Oscar together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Guppy and Oscar?
74โ81ยฐF โ inside Guppy's 72โ82ยฐF and Oscar's 74โ81ยฐF.
Is a Guppy aggressive toward a Oscar?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Safer Tank Mates for Guppy and Oscar
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Guppy
- Molly โ 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish โ 96/100
- Clown Pleco โ 95/100
- Pearl Danio โ 93/100
- Zebra Danio โ 93/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Guppy and Oscar
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 180 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |