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The guppy, alternatively guppie (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species in the world. It is a small member of the Poecilidae family (females 3cm, males 2cm) and is therefore live-bearing. It prefers hard water and can withstand a surprising degree of salinity. Its most famous characteristic is its propensity for breeding.
The female guppy is a drab brown in colour. The much smaller male naturally has a colourful caudal fin (tailfin), which has been considerably enhanced in shape and colour by selective breeding.
The species originates in the Yucatan peninsula, but has escaped from captivity and lives in a feral condition in much of the warmer regions of the world. It has been introduced to some areas to keep down the mosquito population and fight malaria.
A Guppy is also an extremely large wide-bodied aeroplane that is used to transport parts for other aeroplanes and for the space shuttle.