Guppy fish (scientific name Poecilia reticulata) are well-known members of the aquarium world. We may have to write a book to talk about this fish, but in this article we will cover the most common questions.
Natural habitat for guppy fish
Guppy fish belong to the family Poeciliidae. Commonly known as livebearers, this family also includes popular aquarium fish such as mollies, swordtails and platies.
The guppy is named after the English priest and scientist Robert John Lechmere Guppy, who presented a report stating that fish give birth to fry instead of eggs.
Guppy fish live in fresh and brackish water basins in Venezuela, Guyana, northern Amazon, northern Brazil, the Barbados Islands and Trinidad. They are mostly found in clean flowing waters, but they also like brackish coastal waters. They feed on worms, larvae, mosquito larvae and various small insects.
Definition
The guppy is a small fish with an elongated body and a slightly enlarged belly. Males generally have larger and more decorative fins than females. The anal fin evolved as a reproductive organ in males and is called the gonopodium.
The variety of colors and patterns of guppies allows breeders to create an incredible variety of breeds. Red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple and black are common colors.
Care and keeping in the aquarium
Aquarium size
The recommended aquarium size for guppies depends on the number of fish, their size and the level of activity desired. A 10-gallon aquarium is enough for a small group of guppies. If you are planning a larger group or a community tank with other species of fish, an aquarium of 20 to 30 gallons or larger is recommended.
Water temperature
The range of water temperatures suitable for keeping guppies is wide (23-27°C). However, it is important to keep the water temperature constant between 22 and 30 °C.
Water parameters
pH value: Guppies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. The recommended pH range is between 6.8 and 7.8.
Water Hardness: Guppies generally prefer moderately hard water. The desired water hardness should be between 8 and 12 dKH.
Underground
Sand or gravel are popular substrates for guppy aquariums. Some aquarists may prefer tanks without a bottom to make maintenance and cleaning easier.
Decor
Adding live plants to guppy aquariums helps maintain water quality and create a natural and visually appealing environment.
Filter
It is recommended to use an internal filter, but an external filter can also be used. The strong current of the filter can suck in young and adult fish.
Diet
Guppies are fed a variety of foods - artificial, frozen, live. Fish should be fed twice daily in quantities that they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
Tank friends
Guppies are peaceful and get along well with small fish. Fish like Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra, Glowlight Tetra, Black Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra, Dwarf Gourami, Luminous Gourami and Celestial Pearl Danio are compatible with guppies.
Gender differences: male and female
Male guppies are generally smaller and lighter in color. Females have duller colors and less noticeable fins than males.
Reproduction
Guppies are viviparous animals that give birth to live offspring. They usually reach sexual maturity and begin reproduction at 2 to 3 months of age. One male and several females are sufficient for successful breeding. Female guppies can be identified by a spot that becomes darker during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prevent guppies from reproducing?
You can prevent male and female guppies from reproducing by keeping them in separate tanks.
Do guppy tails grow back?
Yes, guppy tails can grow back if they are damaged.
Why do guppy fish die?
The cause of death of guppy fish is generally due to improper care conditions.
Is a female guppy pregnant?
Female guppies usually give birth once a month. Pregnancy can be recognized by the darkening of the spot in the female's anal area.
How do guppy fish breathe?
Guppies breathe with oxygen dissolved in the water.
How often should I feed guppy fish?
It is best to feed 2-3 times a day in small portions.
Why do guppy tails tear?
There can be many reasons why guppy tails break. The most common reason is that old water builds up in the tank.
Why does a guppy's tail get stuck?
This may be due to dirty water or an infection.
Why is the guppy back curved?
A curved spine in guppy fish can have various causes, such as genetic factors, malnutrition or injury.
Features about guppy fish
Since guppy fish are viviparous, female guppies give birth to young fish instead of eggs. In some cases, the female guppy may only give birth to female offspring. This can be triggered by certain factors, such as an overpopulation of males in the aquarium, and can be seen as a natural compensatory mechanism.
Can guppies live alone?
Guppies can live alone, but since they are social and active fish, they are generally happier with other fish. If you are looking for a fish that can live alone, is visually appealing and easy to care for, you can turn to bettas.
Are oxygen and water filters necessary for guppies?
Oxygen and water filters are not mandatory for guppies, but having this equipment is recommended. An affordable internal filter can meet your needs and has little risk of attracting fish. If you use a filter that revitalizes the surface, you may not need an additional aeration device.
Are substrate and plants necessary for guppies?
It all depends on your preferences. Although an empty aquarium is easier to clean, it does not look aesthetically pleasing. Considering the survival of juvenile fish and the fact that adult fish like to swim among plants, an aquarium with substrate and plants may be preferable.
Is light necessary for guppies?
In general, fish don't need light. It is enough if natural light enters the aquarium during the day. However, aquarium plants need light to grow.
Do guppy fish lay eggs?
No, guppies are viviparous. The young are born fully developed and ready to swim. Sometimes the boy can be born in the egg, but in this case the egg bursts immediately and the boy begins to swim. Occasionally the puppy may have a bag of food that is consumed quickly.
Do guppy fish sleep?
Yes, guppy fish sleep, but not like humans. This is a kind of passive resting phase in which they are less active at night and continue to swim. It is recommended to turn off the lights at night, but many aquarists do not do this. One must not forget that it is dark in nature at night.
How many babies do guppy fish give birth to?
This depends on the age and size of the female fish. They usually give birth to 30-50 young, but sometimes up to 200 young can be born.
Can guppies live in brackish water?
Yes, guppies can live in brackish water, but they die in seawater. Guppies are primarily freshwater fish, although some strains and wild populations can adapt to certain salinity levels.
Why do guppies swim on the water surface of the aquarium?
If guppies swim on the surface of the aquarium, this usually indicates that the oxygen level of the water is not enough. Excessive heat, a tank not being cleaned for a long time, or an overfilled tank can cause oxygen starvation. In this case, you should open the ventilation and adjust the filter to move the water surface and fill fresh water into the tank.
Why did my guppy fish jump out of the tank?
Guppies may have a tendency to jump, both accidentally and in situations where the water in the aquarium is poor. This can happen, for example, if the water has not been refilled for a long time or the subfloor has not been cleaned.
Why do guppies lose their colors?
Stress is an important factor that causes color loss in guppies. Stress factors include poor water quality, sudden temperature changes, aggressive aquarium mates, overcrowding, or inadequate hiding places. When guppies are under stress, they may become pale or dull.
