guppy

This page is about the eponym guppy

Meaning

a small type of fish that breeds quickly and comes in many colours. They are often kept in fish bowls and aquariums.

For example

  • We have too many guppies in our aquarium.

  • Male guppies are prettier in colour than female guppies.

Note:
Guppies are also known as "rainbow fish".

Origin: Robert John Lechmere Guppy (1836-1916) was a British naturalist. He discovered the guppy fish in Trinidad in 1866, and it was later named after him.

Quick Quiz

Why do aquariums often have too many guppies?

a. Guppies reproduce quickly.

b. Guppies are colourful.

c. Guppies eat a lot.
a) Guppies reproduce quickly. b) Guppies are colourful. c) Guppies eat a lot.

Contributor: Tara Benwell