Guppies are probably the most popular livebearer among both aquarium owners and advanced breeders. The once humble, dull-coloured guppy has become a sought after fish for hobbyists who are interested in genetic processes, resulting in many varieties of spectacular colourations and finnage. Their ease of breeding means that it is the first species many hobbyists begin to breed. However, because of intense breeding, fancier guppies can be harder to maintain.
Livebearer
Scientific Name
Popular Livebearers kept in the hobby include Guppies(Poecilia reticulata). These species belong to the Live bearing Tooth carp Family or Poeciliidae.
Natural Range
Guppies originate from South America and the West Indies.
Maximum Size and Longevity
Depending on the species sizes can range from 3 – 13cm.
Water Quality
Livebearers generally require harder water with pH over neutral:
Temperature: 22C – 27C
pH: 6.5 – 7. 8
General Hardness: 100 – 300 ppm
Feeding
Almost all of these livebearers are top feeders and will readilytake most artificial and frozen foods. However, they should be
given a diet with high vegetable content and a dry food should be used occasionally. The fry are about 7 to 10mm in length when born and are
probably the most easily raised species as they will feed off finely ground dry foods and do not require smaller live foods like most other species when beginning to feed.
Compatibility
They are compatible with most community species in a densely planted community tank. Mollies prefer slightly alkaline water and will do best with a little sea salt added to the aquarium. Fully grown males may get a little aggressive with small peaceful species such as Neon Tetra’s,
but in a well planted tank should pose no problems.
Colour and Varieties
While there are many beautiful wild forms of livebearers, these species have been selectively bred throughout the world to produce a huge variety of colours, body shape and fin arrangement.
Sexing
Livebearers have the common trait that they give birth to free swimming young (ovoviparious), instead of egg laying like most other fishes. To achieve this, male livebearers have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium that is used to facilitate internal fertilization of the female. Once fertilised, the eggs mature inside the oviduct of the mother. The eggs then hatch internally and give ‘birth’ to the resultant offspring soon after.
General Information
Guppies are probably the most popular livebearer among both aquarium owners and advanced breeders. The once humble, dull-coloured guppy has become a sought after fish for hobbyists who are interested in genetic processes, resulting in many varieties of spectacular colourations and finnage. Their ease of breeding means that it is the first species many hobbyists begin to breed. However, because of intense breeding, fancier guppies can be harder to maintain. These fish are robust and tolerant of a wide range of aquarium conditions and are recommended for beginners.
Source: Aquarium Industries