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Breeding Guppies

The hobby of breeding guppies is one practiced by many aquatic enthusiasts and is often a species selected by beginners as guppies are notoriously hard fish and easily breed if given the correct conditions. Breeders can expect to see quick results within a matter of weeks, should the females present have their eggs fertilized by another male. The impressive colors and wide array of possibilities in terms of color and shape allows breeders to either in breed or out-cross their fish in order to achieve noticeable results. Advanced breeders can enter local or international shows, and these guppies become known as 'Fancy Guppies

Stages

Breeding of guppies is a simple process, if done on a beginners level, however it can be advanced, should the breeder want to achieve the best results in terms of color and tail shape.

1. Preparing the aquarium
2. Selecting the right fish
3. Introducing the fish into the aquarium
4. Encouraging breeding to occur
5. Taking care of fry
6. Selecting which fish to take forward

Preparing the Aquarium

A tank which is at least 10 gallons is usually recommended for beginners, as a 'trio' (two females and one male) of guppies require approximately 4 gallons, allowing space for the fry in the future. Anything less will not allow the tank to efficiently cycle and could harm the fish upon their arrival. This also would mean that the breeder is stuck manually cleaning the tank every few weeks, which can be an arduous task, and one that is not necessary with a slightly larger tank. It is then key that gravel is filled up to a 2.5cm depth in the aquarium; this acts as a slight natural filter which can catch sunken food which can then be scavenged by fish later. Gravel also acts as a solid, stable surface for any ornaments or plants which may be put into the tank. This is especially important should live plants be used as this acts as a medium for the roots to grow into. Soaking and washing any ornaments or plants is advised, however only with warm water. From here, any filters or heaters should be added. After water is added (sometimes with chemicals to remove tap water chlorine), the tank is to be left for around one to two weeks in order for the aquarium to 'cycle' and reach a point of equilibrium, which is safe and habitable for the guppies.

Selecting the right fish

Although this may be down to personal preference, it is important that beginners look for a series of characteristics when selecting guppies. It is normal and safe to purchase one male for every two females, as this ratio prevents the male becoming aggressive over one female, as his attention is not split.

• Color pattern: There are several basic guppy patterns. These include Wild (grey or olive coloring), Albino (light colors or white with red eyes,) Blonde (light colors with black pigment,) and Blue (shimmering blue color.)
• Tail shape: The shape of guppy tails can range from a rounded back fin to a sword-like shape. There are many different shapes and sizes that guppy tails come in, but the most common are the Delta (which is a large triangular shape,) the Fantail (which is shaped like a fan,) and the Round tail (which is a small, round shape.)

Any guppy selected must have a strong Caudal fin and be free from any white spots which may indicate stress or disease.

Introducing the fish into the aquarium

Upon purchasing fish, the breeder must place the bag of fish in the aquarium with the fish still inside. This balances the temperature of the water inside the bag, with the temperature of the water in the aquarium to avoid shock upon introduction.

Encouraging breeding to occur

From here, it is essentially a waiting game, no matter how advanced the breeder happens to be. Raising the temperature from 24 to around 25-26 degrees Celcius may stimulate breeding to occur, however nothing is guaranteed.

On average, the gestation period will take 26 to 31 days. When the female guppy is ready to give birth, her stomach becomes very large and her gravid spot will be a deep black; this is, in fact the small eyes of the fry inside the stomach. Her stomach will also square off like a cardboard box rather than growing rounder. Guppies are live bearers and do not lay eggs.

• Some signs of a fish going into labor are: being very still and secluding herself, shivering (contractions), spending increased time near the heater, or a change in appetite (including refusing to eat, or spitting her food out.)

Taking care of fry

As the female gives birth, which normally occurs over a period of 12-24 hours, it is optional whether or not the fry are removed and put into another, smaller tank, because guppies can be cannibalistic and eat their young if their hunger is not satisfied.

2-200 fry are usually dropped, depending on how many times the female has bred.

• Newborn fry should be fed recently hatched brine shrimp so that the guppies reach their greatest growth potential. Fry also enjoy boiled spinach or frozen peas, as they are rich in nutrients and vitamins essential for growth.

Selecting which fish to take forward

It is then advised that when around 2-3 months old, fry that are either deformed, or do not have admirable qualities are sold to a local pet store, or culled (this is often frowned upon in the community.)

Breeding a pure strain is the easiest and cheapest way to obtain the best fish. This involves getting an already established strain.

Three techniques are used when breeding guppies:

INBREEDING: Mating close relatives such as brother to sister,

mother to son, father to daughter, etc.

LINE BREEDING: Breeding two separate lines branching from the original trio with eventual 'backcrossing' or the breeding of distant relatives such as half siblings, cousins to cousins, etc.

OUT CROSSING: Mating two different pure strains which are compatible. This could mean fish of the same color that are obtained from two different breeders.