How Do Guppies Mate and Reproduce? A Detailed Guide
The guppy is a valuable economic fish. Because its tail is forked in a shape like a phoenix's tail, short and red, tapering thin and narrow, just like a phoenix tail, it has earned the name “phoenix-tail fish.” So, how do guppies mate and reproduce?
1. How do guppies mate and reproduce?
When the male fish's gonopodium is inserted into the female fish's vent, it releases sperm and internal fertilization takes place. After mating, even if the female fish does not come into contact with a male fish afterward, she will still go through three rounds of giving birth.
2. What are the methods for keeping guppies?
1. Cleaning and disinfection
Make sure the fish tank is clean, and disinfect it when doing a full water change. After using a disinfectant, rinse thoroughly with clean water many times to make sure no residual chemicals are left behind, and finally scald it with boiling water. When adding boiling water, pour it in several batches; pouring it all in at once may cause the fish tank to crack. It is best to first pour a small amount of boiling water into the fish tank, and add more after the glass has adapted to the temperature.
2. Water quality and water temperature
The suitable water temperature for guppies to grow and survive is 22°C-26°C, and the pH is 6.5-7.5. The water should have a certain hardness; water that is too soft is not good for the guppies' survival. The water should be clean and clear, and a water circulation system should be installed, using a filter to keep filtering to ensure the water quality does not deteriorate. Maintaining water quality also requires sticking to water changes; the principle for water changes is frequent but small in amount. Change the water once every half month, replacing one quarter of the total water volume, to prevent a huge change in water quality from harming the guppies.
3. Feeding method
Guppies can be fed bloodworms, water fleas and dry feed. For young guppies, try to feed live shrimp larvae, which are rich in nutrients. Guppies that are 5 months old should not be fed too full; follow the principle of small meals more often, feeding 4-6 times a day, and do not give too much at each feeding.
4. Number of fish to keep
The number of guppies to keep depends on the size of the tank and the density of the fish group. The stocking density must not be too high; if it is too high, the water quality will change greatly and cause illness. If the density is too low, the fish will not compete for food, and the lack of movement will slow their growth. Adult guppies are 3cm-4cm in body length; for a fish tank with dimensions of 50cm*40cm*30cm, the suitable number to keep is 50-60 fish.
Guppies are a relatively easy tropical fish to keep, with not-too-high demands on water quality and temperature, and very strong adaptability.