Guppy fish is the most beautiful and reproductive species in the world. They are also known as “jewels of the sea” because they have so many different colors to choose from, which makes them a very popular aquarium fish. Guppies can live for 5-7 years with proper care, but females can only reproduce when they’re about 18 months old. When it comes to guppy breeding time there’s a lot of excitement!
The guppy fish, a beautiful fish species found in freshwater throughout South America and the Caribbean has been captive-bred for generations. Guppies were first identified by Reverend Thomas Guppy who was on Trinidad when he discovered these amazing creatures named after him. Hundreds of various types are available including “Brazilian,” which is from Brazil, as well as “Venezuelan” which can be found in Venezuela among others such as Barbados where they thrive around reefs and lagoons near Tobago Bay off the coast of northern Venezuelan Guyana.
Characteristic of Guppy Fish
They do not have very long longevity, reaching to live approximately 3 years in standard conditions. For this reason, they are so good at reproducing. What brought guppy fish to fame is that their consumption of mosquito larvae helps fight malaria in some countries where this disease was raging. This has been introduced to this animal in various environments, resulting in really beneficial.
Despite their beauty, guppy fish that have been bred in captivity have a much larger caudal tail and much justify colors. In the natural state, guppy fish tend to have a more grayish color with some spots of different colors on their body. At the same time that its caudal fin is smaller. Generally, they have quite marked differences between females and males, being even quite simple to know, just like zebrafish.
Sexual Dimorphism
The first characteristic that makes them different is that males are usually smaller than females. At the same time that its anal fin is modified to be used as a reproductive device that is called a gonopodium. For its part, the female has a rounded anal fin. The males in the adult stage get to measure approximately 2 centimeters, although there are some animals that have measured up to 4 centimeters.
The females are larger, measuring between 3 and 5 centimeters larger specimens. In addition to these characteristics that make the sexes different, it can also highlight the colors and shapes of the tails that these animals present. The males stand out among other aquarium fish thanks to the fact that their bodies can be green, blue, red and even in some cases tabby. You may also like to read Mollies Fish
The females are usually olive in color and with a little color in the caudal and dorsal fins only. Due to the intervention of man in the reproduction of guppy fish, it is common to find males with different caudal fin shapes. The most common is the fan shape, which also has the advantage of showing all the beautiful colors. But besides this, there are males that have the caudal fin in a pointed, round shape, with a crown, delta, or double sword shape.
Behavior
In general, they are very calm fish with great swimming abilities. So it is essential that they have enough space to move properly. They get along with all types of fish as long as they are not overpopulated; in this case, it will begin to be a bit more aggressive to protect its territory. It is not good to place them with betta fish, because being smaller betta will attack and harass even to kill them. In the same way, it is useful to place enough vegetation in the tank.
Thus the female can hide and protect herself from the harassment that the male can present; although this could be avoided if you place three females for each male. But many of the specimens that are sold in pet stores have been altered by man. The guppies fish that are in the wild are much more active and the females do not present any type of color. In turn, the males are not so large, although they retain beautiful colors in their body and tail; the latter with very particular forms. They usually live in groups of being or more fish to keep the company to protect themselves from predators.
Feeding
The first thing you should know is that its mouth is located slightly towards the top of its head. So it feeds directly from the surface of the water. Because of this, it is advisable to call the attention of the guppy fish so that they rise and prevent the food from falling to the bottom of the tank where the animals will not grab it afterward. Guppy fish is omnivores, which means that they can eat everything.
When they are in captivity it is good to give them foods that are rich in proteins. Such is the case of mugwort, water flea, mosquito larvae, or tubifex. As a complement you can give them small pieces of cooked vegetables, having a special predilection for peas. The breeder should only make sure to cut the food properly. In case there is fry in the aquarium, which are the offspring of the guppy fish, it is advisable to feed them with infusoria.
Since due to the small size of their snout it is easier. The breeder can also feed them with mugwort or mosquito larvae that are newly hatched. Although there are people who prefer to avoid these small ones for fear of suffocation.
Reproduction
Guppy fish is ovoviviparous animals, which means that the females carry the eggs of the new members in their womb until the moment of hatching. When they are already mature and have eaten their yolk sac completely, they begin to expel them. Unlike the clownfish that lay eggs and expect them to hatch. But like the surgeonfish, once the guppy fish are born they do not care for their young.
In fact, they could eat them if the opportunity presents itself. They have an impressive reproductive rhythm, both for their speed and for the number of small fish in each birth. The females ovulate every 3 days, being able to carry out a delivery every 28 days. Lasting every pregnancy for 5 weeks.
Aquarius
Because they are tropical fish, guppy fish should be kept at a temperature between 22 and 28ºC. With an optimum temperature of 25ºC. These fish are very adaptable to environments, so they could tolerate water in ambient conditions. Only if it does not stray too far from the temperature range in which it should be. Likewise, they merit that the pH of the water is slightly alkaline. But between the ranges of 6.5 and 8, although the optimum level would be 7.5. Despite being able to live in slightly salty waters, the ideal is for the breeder to use water without salt.
Compatibility
The wonderful thing about guppy fish is that they are very calm animals. Which will get along very well with any other type of fish or animal that you place in the aquarium. In the only case of having some serious problem if the mixtures with very territorial fish, which could harass them and even kill them to preserve their territory.
FAQ
Are guppies easy to care for?
Yes, guppies are relatively easy to care for. They are hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions and temperatures, making them ideal for beginner aquarists. Guppies require a tank with a minimum size of 10 gallons and should be kept in groups of at least four or five. A filter is necessary to keep the water clean and oxygenated, and weekly partial water changes should be done to maintain good water quality. As omnivores, guppies will eat both meaty foods such as bloodworms and flakes, as well as vegetable matter like blanched lettuce or spinach. As long as their basic needs are met, guppies can make a great addition to any aquarium!
What is the lifespan of guppy fish?
The average lifespan of guppy fish is 2 to 5 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, guppies can live for up to 7 years. Factors that affect the lifespan of guppies include water quality, diet, and tank size.
What is special about guppy fish?
Guppy fish, also known as ‘millionfish’ and ‘rainbow fish’, are one of the most popular tropical aquarium fish. They are native to South America and the Caribbean Islands and come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns.
Conclusion
Guppy fish is small, so they are ideal for placing in small aquariums, as long as it is not a large number of fish. They reproduce easily, it is for this reason that this species is found around the world. However, it requires certain care so that this species does not get sick, and may last for 3 years. In addition, the breeders must take care of the feeding of this species since they are gluttonous fish, and they can be overfed.
As a reference: Wikipedia
