How Do Guppies Reproduce? A Detailed Explanation of Breeding Methods and Key Technical Points

The guppy, also called the mosquitofish, is a fish of the genus Gambusia in the family Poeciliidae. This fish has a certain effect on eliminating the larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes and other mosquitoes. So, do you know how guppies reproduce?

1. How do guppies reproduce?

Guppies are ovoviviparous and reach sexual maturity at one month of age. A portion of the fin rays at the front of the male's anal fin is specialized into a gonopodium. During reproduction, one male often chases multiple females to mate, and the eggs are fertilized and hatched inside the body. In East China, they begin breeding from April to November each year, with May to September being the optimal period. They give birth to fry once every 30-40 days, with 20-40 fry per brood, and reproduce 3-7 times each year.

2. What do guppies eat?

Guppies feed on aquatic invertebrates. The young mainly eat rotifers and ciliates, while adults consume insects, cladocerans, copepods and chlorella. They are especially fond of mosquito larvae (wigglers); one adult fish swallows more than 2,000 wigglers per day.

3. Can guppies be eaten?

In the eyes of food lovers, guppies can be eaten. However, guppies are good at preying on various wigglers and can eliminate the mosquito larvae that transmit the pathogens of malaria and yellow fever, achieving the purpose of preventing and controlling malaria and other infectious diseases. They are beneficial to environmental protection and can also be kept for viewing, so eating them is not recommended.