Poecilia reticulata, commonly known as the guppy, is a small freshwater fish native to northeastern South America. Known for its vibrant colors and varied patterns, it thrives in diverse habitats, from slow-moving streams to urban ponds. Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming young, and they play a crucial role in controlling mosquito populations by feeding on larvae.

Poecilia reticulata, commonly known as the guppy, is native to the northeastern part of South America. This includes countries such as Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. Guppies have also been introduced to many other parts of the world as a result of human activities.

Guppies are typically found in freshwater environments. They inhabit small streams, ponds, and rivers with slow-moving or standing water. The typical environmental conditions of their habitat include warm temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius (about 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), and they thrive in waters with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Additionally, guppies prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides them with food sources and protection from predators.

In their native habitat, guppies occupy the ecological niche of small, surface-feeding fish. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling mosquito populations, as they feed on mosquito larvae. Guppies are highly adaptable and can survive in a range of environmental conditions, which has allowed them to establish populations in diverse habitats across the world. Their adaptability and reproductive strategies make them a successful species in both natural and introduced environments.