[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Livebeavers – Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

In the hobby since the early 1900s, the Guppy is one of the best known and most popular aquarium fishes of all time. It is an adaptable, hardy fish whose inherent genetic variability has been exploited over the years to produce a bewildering array of fin and color permutations. As a result, the original short-finned wild type of the species is hardly ever seen, except in the aquaria of specialist livebearer enthusiasts. Endler’s Livebearer is a particularly beautiful wild form.

Other common name

• Millions Fish

Family

• Poeciliidae

Subfamily

• Poeciliinae

Distribution

• Widely distributed north of the Amazon and extensively introduced into tropical and subtropical regions outside of the range.

Size

• Wild males up to 1 1/4in (3cm); wild females around 2in (5cm). Cultivated varieties generally larger.

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler. Should not be kept with boisterous or fin-nipping tankmates, e.g. Barbus tetrazona (Tiger Barb).

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted; a vegetable component recommended. Aquarium: Well planted, well illuminated, with some open swimming space. Water chemistry not critical, but alkaline, medium-hard conditions are preferred. Temperature range: 64-82F (18-28 C).

Breeding

• Large females can produce over 150 fry every 4-6 weeks.