Order : Cyprinodontiformes
Family : POECILIIDAE
Species : Poecilia reticulata

Maximum length (excluding tail fin) : 6 cm
(Fishbase, 2026)

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Originating from South America and the Caribbean, the diminutive Guppy was introduced into many countries during the last century as a means of mosquito control, but it is debatable as to whether this had much effect on mosquito populations.

The species can thrive in tropical waters of varying pH, and can tolerate highly polluted water - it can be found in shallow streams, open drains and urban canals.

Males are much smaller than females, and are generally more brightly coloured. The females do not lay eggs, but are live-bearers. Guppies are highly favoured as aquarium fish

The species has been introduced to most countries of Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore.

Figs 1 and 2 : A pair of feral guppies in a shallow, concretised stream in Singapore. The pair probably comprises a male (left) and female (right).

Fig 3 : Vegetated roadside drain in an old housing estate in Peninsular Malaysia; guppies occur in this small drain, along with the native Asian Swamp Eel (Monopterus javanensis), which probably survives by preying on guppies. 


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.

Tan Heok Hui, Kelvin Lim Kok Peng, Liew Jia Huan, Low Bi Wei, Rayson Lim Bock Hing, Jeffrey Kwik Teik Beng & Darren C. J. Yeo. (2020). The non-native freshwater fishes of Singapore: an annotated compilation. Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology, 68: 150-195.