23.5.12
Guppies are considered one of the easiest fish to breed. They are sometimes known as the millions fish because of their ability to produce masses of offspring. For this reason they are a good species for people new to fish reproduction and parenthood. Breeding guppies at home is a rewarding experience for fish keepers looking to expand their hobby. It is also a great exercise for children interested in nature and science.
The different sexes are easy to differentiate so choosing likely parent will pose no problem. Aim to match the male and female's color so a strong line of guppies can be created. Males and females can breed freely themselves but mixed offspring often have washed out colors and poorly defined patterns. To breed the best quality fish this is one of the most important things to keep in mind.
New guppies from a pet store are likely to be housed in the same tank regardless of the color. The fertilization from one mating can last for several batches of tiny fry. For these reasons female guppies are likely to throw all manner of mixed colors at first. After a number of broods the female will be better suited for producing selectively bred progeny.
One male can meet the needs of several females so even numbers are not required. Females will typically give birth every thirty days with adults producing 30 - 60 offspring at a time. The larger a guppy is the more babies she is likely to have.
What they do need is ample feeding and a suitable environment. Offer protein rich foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp in addition to tropical flakes. This should be done for several weeks to condition the females to produce good numbers of large guppy fry. The aquarium should be furnished with plants to give the newly born fry a place of refuge. This gives the new fish a safe haven should any adults in the tank mistake them for a quick meal.
Although a dedicated breeding tank is the best way to breed guppies you may also have some success in a community tank. Breeder traps and nets are sold to help this process. They protect the expected fry from other fish by creating a physical barrier. The expecting female is placed inside and observed at regular intervals until the fry are born. She will then be placed back in the community while the fry are left to grow inside the device. After a few weeks the guppies will have grown enough to stand a greater chance against hungry predators.
For fastest growth guppy fry should be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp. Fine powdered tropical flake will usually be taken should brine shrimp be too much for you to manage with. Make 25% water changes at least weekly and do not overcrowd the tank with too many fish. With ample feeding, clean water and plenty of space to grow these tiny fish can become small adults in about two months.
The different sexes are easy to differentiate so choosing likely parent will pose no problem. Aim to match the male and female's color so a strong line of guppies can be created. Males and females can breed freely themselves but mixed offspring often have washed out colors and poorly defined patterns. To breed the best quality fish this is one of the most important things to keep in mind.
New guppies from a pet store are likely to be housed in the same tank regardless of the color. The fertilization from one mating can last for several batches of tiny fry. For these reasons female guppies are likely to throw all manner of mixed colors at first. After a number of broods the female will be better suited for producing selectively bred progeny.
One male can meet the needs of several females so even numbers are not required. Females will typically give birth every thirty days with adults producing 30 - 60 offspring at a time. The larger a guppy is the more babies she is likely to have.
What they do need is ample feeding and a suitable environment. Offer protein rich foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp in addition to tropical flakes. This should be done for several weeks to condition the females to produce good numbers of large guppy fry. The aquarium should be furnished with plants to give the newly born fry a place of refuge. This gives the new fish a safe haven should any adults in the tank mistake them for a quick meal.
Although a dedicated breeding tank is the best way to breed guppies you may also have some success in a community tank. Breeder traps and nets are sold to help this process. They protect the expected fry from other fish by creating a physical barrier. The expecting female is placed inside and observed at regular intervals until the fry are born. She will then be placed back in the community while the fry are left to grow inside the device. After a few weeks the guppies will have grown enough to stand a greater chance against hungry predators.
For fastest growth guppy fry should be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp. Fine powdered tropical flake will usually be taken should brine shrimp be too much for you to manage with. Make 25% water changes at least weekly and do not overcrowd the tank with too many fish. With ample feeding, clean water and plenty of space to grow these tiny fish can become small adults in about two months.
