Guppies
are among the
easiest freshwater fish to spawn. Unlike most
fish, guppies engage in internal fertilization. The anal fin of the
male is used to inseminate the female. Once inseminated, the female
stores sperm in her body for several months. She can produce multiple
broods without the need for further fertilization.
Once impregnated, the female will develop a dark spot on her
abdomen and the abdomen will start to swell. Guppies are live bearing
fish. The fry will emerge from the mother fully developed. The fry
emerge colorless. They will start to develop color in a few weeks.
Adult guppies will eat the newly hatched fry. The best way to avoid
this is with a breeding trap. Breeding traps are inexpensive and
readily available at fish stores. Breeding traps are transparent
plastic containers comprised of two compartments. Place the impregnated
female in the top compartment. As the female gives birth the fry drop
through to the bottom compartment. After the female is done spawning
remove her from the trap. The plastic piece that separates the
trap into two compartments can then be removed to give the fry more
room to maneuver. The fry can be kept in the trap while they are young.
But remember that they are in an isolated compartment for their own
protection. Replace part of the water with aquarium water regularly to
keep it fresh.
Guppy fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, or finely crushed
dry food. Fry food specially formulated for live bearing fish is
available at most fish stores.
Save
This
Page For Future
Reference
