The hardy fish that give birth to live fry
Livebearers
Guppies, platies, mollies and swordtails are among the friendliest fish for a first tank — colourful, cheap and forgiving. The catch every beginner meets: a mixed-sex group breeds fast, so plan for fry or keep all-male.
5 species on Finfern · 5 with a full care guide.
💧 Get the water right: Most livebearers prefer harder water — check your tap water GH before you buy. Care model: Tropical community tank
- Guppy Poecilia reticulata The rainbow livebearer that breeds like clockwork — cheap, colourful, and endlessly beginner-friendly (you'll soon have fry).
- Endler's Livebearer Poecilia wingei The guppy's smaller, flashier cousin — a nano livebearer with electric colour.
- Platy Xiphophorus maculatus A hardy, cheerful livebearer in every colour — one of the most forgiving community fish.
- Molly Poecilia sphenops A big, personable livebearer — hardy but wants harder water and more space than people expect.
- Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii The livebearer with a sword — active, hardy, and a notorious jumper (keep a lid on).
Plan a livebearers tank
Our free tools use these species' real, sourced care data — no guessing:
Stocking calculator → Compatibility checker → Which fish suit your water? →