The guppy has become a world wide aquarium favorite. It's ease of breeding and care have resulted in guppies becoming one of the most commonly kept
tropical fish. They are available in both the smallest pet shop and the largest dedicated aquarium store.
Guppies are the most diversely coloured aquarium fish. Virtually any colour imaginable can be displayed by the male of the species including red, blue, green, yellow, purple and metallic shades to name but a few.
Female guppies tend to be mainly a drab grey, though they can also show some coloration in the fins and body.
Many distinct fin variations are recognised by guppy fanciers. The most common form in the aquarium trade is the long flowing fantail. Scissor tail guppies display a pair of swords extending from the caudal fin at the top and base.
Guppy Varieties
The video shows a range of the diverse colour patterns in guppies. Recognised forms include the snakeskin, tuxedo, mosaic and rainbow. Countless other variations and mutations exist.
An especially decorative variety is known as the ribbon tail or dragon tail guppy. In this guppy form the pelvic fins are so greatly enlarged that they will trail the entire body length and extend into the tail region. Special attention must be devoted to breeding this variety as the males have a grossly enlarged gonopodium which inhibits reproduction.
Family - Poeciliidae
Size -3-6 cm
Fish Origin - South America
Water - pH of 7-8 with medium to very hard water
Temperature - 20-26°C
Feeding - Undemanding, feed with a general tropical flake and live food
Sexing - Male displays gonopodium and females generally larger & duller
Breeding - Guppies are livebearers
Aquarium -Needs aquarium with other guppies or Poeciliidae to school with
Guppy Reproduction
As guppies grow older and larger they will give birth to increasing numbers of fry. Sixty guppy fry is not an uncommon amount from a mature female. Smaller females may only birth five or ten. Often well fed guppy parents will not eat their own fry. Other fish in the aquarium may not be so kind. Some
aquatic plants will provide shelter for fry or a
livebearer breeding trap can be used.
Guppy Birth
This video shows a female guppy giving birth and the fry adjusting to their new environment. When the female guppy is in the late stages of pregnancy, the swollen body and large gravid spot suggest the guppy fry will soon be born. Guppies become pregnant several times from one mating.
Male Guppies
These male guppies frolic in a clear aquarium. The instinct to reproduce is strong in guppies. When no females are present the males will usually start to chase each other instead. Sometimes it can result in frayed tails from fin nipping.
Red Guppies
These red guppies will soon be proud parents. To keep offspring pure do not mix different varieties within the same aquarium. Newly purchased females from a pet shop may not produce pure offspring for a few months.
