Profile: Guppy

Alternative names

Guppy, Fancy Guppy, Millions Fish, J.A.W. Fish

Synonyms

Acanthophacelus guppii, Acanthophacelus reticulatus, Girardinus guppii, Girardinus reticulatus, Haridichthys reticulatus, Heterandria guppyi, Lebistes poecilioides, Lebistes poeciloides, Lebistes reticulatus, Poecilia reticulate, Poecilia reticulatus, Poecilioides reticulatus

Sexing

Male guppies have longer, wider flowing tails and dorsal fins. The bodies of males are typically more colourful than their female counterparts. Females are considerably larger than males, have a white or clear body and may display a colourful tail, although shorter and not as flowing.

Aside from colouration, sex can also be determined by the presence of the gonopodium organ. Mature females also have a dark gravid spot near their vent.

Tank compatibility

Guppies cohabit with many different kinds of fish because of their docile nature. Sometimes, although rarely, males will attack other fish of the same body shape and tail appearance. This happens mainly to other livebearers such as Swordtails and other male Guppies, and is harmless showing-off for the females. Usually no real harm is done.

Some good tank mates are, but are not limited to:

• Corydoras catfish
• Otocinclus catfish
• Dwarf Gourami (Dwarf Gouramis will eat fry that it can see and catch, but harmless to adults.)
• Snails

These are a very tiny handful of tank-mates, and there are a large amount of others.

Do not keep these fish with Tiger Barbs or other known fin-nippers such as Serpae Tetras, as Guppies can sometimes be nipped especially the males with elongated finnage. Large predatory fish should also be avoided such as larger Cichlids including Angelfish. Nor should they be kept with Betta splendens, specifically the male Bettas with male Guppies, as these are territorial fish known for mistaking male Guppies as other Bettas and killing them.

Diet

Guppies are omnivores and will eat algae-based flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and flakes. Also will eat small parts of fresh earthworms and whole parts of bloodworms. They also like to eat some blanched vegetables like courgette, cucumber or lettuce.

Feedin

Feed once or twice a day sparingly.

Environment Specifics

Good water quality, lightly planted. No rough edges on ornaments to damage fins. There should be plenty of open swimming space. Due to overbreeding, many Guppies can be quite fragile so water quality should be kept optimum.

Breeding

To have a group of guppies of male and females that breed, a minimum of a 56.8 Litres (15 US G.) aquarium is required. If you are not separating fry from the adults, the fry will need to be moved to a breeding device, such as a net breeder, it's a good idea to add a portion of Java Moss to the aquarium, as it will provide shelter and food for small fry.

Pregnant females should not be put into a net breeder or trap prior to giving birth as this will cause them undue stress and possibly cause them to abort the fry.

The ease in which this species breeds and the wide variety of colour and fin shapes has caused the development of a show culture in the aquarium hobby. Many breeders have developed particular types of guppies that they sell at high prices and for prizes.

Generally guppies are considered very easy to breed. If the breeder is not concerned about genetic heritage or the breeding for color or a specific attribute, simply putting male and female guppies in the same tank will yield offspring within a month. Females have a gestation period of around 21-25 days.

Behaviour

Docile, active and sociable. Breeding requires virtually no effort. Because of this they are sometimes called J.A.W. fish for Just Add Water fish.

Identification

Small with brightly-coloured, usually triangular tails, with typically greyish-silver bodies, a pointed nose and upturned mouth. Many different colour and tail type variations have been selectively bred. Wild types have much shorter tails, whereas captive bred fancy males have very elaborate tails and tail types.