A Detailed Guide to How Guppies Reproduce and What to Watch Out For

How Do Guppies Reproduce? Guppies, also known as million fish, have brilliantly colorful bodies and graceful shapes, are gentle in temperament, can be kept together with mild small and medium-sized tropical fish, are lively and active in daily life, and are a common ornamental fish. So, how do guppies reproduce?

1. How do guppies reproduce?

Guppies reproduce through ovoviviparity. During breeding, keep the water temperature of the aquarium at around 26°C, then introduce brood fish at a male-to-female ratio of 1:4. After the fish come into season, the female's belly gradually swells and a black gravid spot appears; the male then constantly chases the female, and when the male's gonopodium is inserted into the female's vent, it releases sperm for internal fertilization. When the female's gravid spot becomes large and black and the vent protrudes, she can be netted into another aquarium to await giving birth.

2. How do you tell male and female guppies apart?

1. Look at the color

Male guppies are more colorful than females.

2. Look at the body shape

Female guppies are slightly plumper, while male guppies are slimmer and smaller.

3. Look at the tail

The male guppy's tail takes the form of a large fan, while the female's tail is narrow and small, roughly only one third the size of the male's tail.

4. Look at the markings

Female guppies have some color only on the upper part of the tail, with few markings on the body, which is nearly transparent, whereas male guppies are covered all over with fine markings,

5. Look at the dorsal fin

The male guppy's dorsal fin is longer and brightly colored. The female guppy's dorsal fin is narrow and transparent.

6. Look at the pelvic fins

The female guppy's pelvic fins are short and round. The male guppy's pelvic fins are longer and spike-shaped.

7. Look at the belly

The female guppy's belly is large and transparent, with a black vent. The male guppy's belly is opaque, covered entirely in markings, and small.

Guppies give birth once a month, producing 10-120 fry each time, and the yearly number of offspring is quite large, which is why they are also known as the “million fish”.