Can Axolotls Live with Guppies?

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 8 January, 2026

No, axolotls should not live with guppies. While both are freshwater species, they have incompatible temperature requirements and behavioral conflicts that make cohabitation problematic. Guppies are tropical fish requiring water temperatures of 72-82°F (22-28°C), while axolotls need much cooler water at 60-64°F (16-18°C). Additionally, axolotls are predatory and will hunt and eat guppies, especially smaller individuals. Conversely, guppies may nip at an axolotl’s external gills out of curiosity. This pairing creates stress and danger for both species, making separate tanks the only safe option.

Temperature and Environmental Mismatch

The primary obstacle to keeping axolotls and guppies together is their drastically different temperature needs. Axolotls are cold-water amphibians native to high-altitude Mexican lakes, requiring consistently cool water between 60-64°F to remain healthy. When exposed to temperatures above 68°F, axolotls become stressed, lose appetite, and develop serious health issues including fungal infections, metabolic problems, and reduced immunity. Chronic exposure to warm water significantly shortens their lifespan and can be fatal.

Guppies, on the other hand, are tropical fish originating from warm South American waters. They thrive in temperatures between 72-82°F, with 75-78°F being optimal. At temperatures below 70°F, guppies become sluggish, their immune systems weaken, and they become highly susceptible to diseases like ich and fin rot. Cold water slows their metabolism and can lead to organ failure over time.

The 10-15 degree temperature gap between these species’ requirements creates an impossible situation. Any compromise temperature would harm both animals water cool enough for axolotls would slowly kill guppies through hypothermia, while water warm enough for guppies would dangerously overheat the axolotl. There is no middle ground where both can thrive.

Predator-Prey Dynamics and Behavioral Issues

Beyond temperature, the natural predator-prey relationship between axolotls and guppies makes cohabitation dangerous. Axolotls are carnivorous hunters with strong feeding instincts. They detect movement in the water and strike at anything that appears to be potential prey. Guppies, being small fish (1-2.5 inches), fall perfectly within the axolotl’s preferred prey size range.

Adult axolotls can easily catch and consume adult guppies, while juvenile axolotls will target guppy fry and smaller individuals. Even if some guppies initially evade capture due to their swimming speed, the axolotl will persistently hunt them, creating constant stress for the fish. Over time, the guppy population would be decimated as the axolotl picks them off one by one.

Guppies also pose risks to axolotls despite their small size. Guppies are active, curious fish that explore their environment constantly. They may approach and nip at the axolotl’s feathery external gills, mistaking them for food or investigating them out of curiosity. While guppies can’t cause serious physical damage, repeated harassment stresses the axolotl and can damage the delicate gill filaments, affecting respiratory function.

Additionally, guppies are prolific breeders that reproduce rapidly in aquarium conditions. Even if you start with just a few guppies, you’ll soon have dozens or hundreds of fry in the tank, which would overwhelm the environment and provide an endless buffet for the axolotl though this creates bio-load problems before the axolotl can eat them all.

Quick FAQ

Would fancy guppies with long fins work better?
No. Fancy guppies have the same temperature requirements and are actually more vulnerable due to their slower swimming speed caused by elaborate finnage.

Can guppy fry be used as feeder fish for axolotls?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended as a primary food source. Live fish can introduce parasites, and relying on guppies creates temperature management problems in the breeding tank.

What if I keep only a few guppies?
The number doesn’t matter—temperature incompatibility and predation risk remain regardless of guppy population size.

Will guppies stress my axolotl?
Yes. Their constant movement triggers the axolotl’s hunting response, and their tendency to investigate and nip at gills causes ongoing stress.

Are there any small fish compatible with axolotls?
Very few. Cold-water species like white cloud minnows tolerate cooler temperatures better, but axolotls generally do best in species-only tanks without any fish companions.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
Administrator
Abdul Wasay is the founder and lead author of Axolotl Portal, a trusted site for axolotl care. He spent almost nine months learning about axolotls, including their tanks, feeding, water care, and common health problems. His knowledge comes from trusted vets, research, and real experience from long term axolotl owners. All Posts by