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MY FIRST GUPPY
A Beginner’s Guide to Guppy Care
(A Collaboration with Guppy Club Singapore)
The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) originates from the northern coastal area of South America, the regions of Venezuela, Guyana and the nearby islands. Its namesake came from the name of one of its initial discoverers, Rev. John Lechmere Guppy. The size of the fancy guppy is bigger than the wild cousins; the males are able to reach 4-5 cm in total length and the females would be about 5-6 cm.
The guppy is a fish that adds colour to all fish tanks. The vibrancy of its colours and vitality is a celebration of life.
The guppy is a livebearer. The female guppy gives birth to fully formed offspring instead of eggs. They grow rapidly into mature adults after 4-6 months.
Requirements of the guppy
- Guppies thrive between 21- 28 degree Celsius.
- Guppies thrive in a pH range around 6.5 to 8.0.
- Guppies are omnivores, requiring meat and plant material in their diet.
- Guppies prefer eating from the water surface.
Tank
A general guideline is 1 guppy per 4 litres of water.
- For purposes of the appreciation of guppies, a tank of around 45 litres (10 gallons) will be suitable for a sizable number of guppies to coexist in the tank.
- For breeding purposes, a smaller tank could be used due to the smaller number and number of fishes.
Filters
Filters allow oxygenation of the water through circulation. It also allow maintenance and stability of the water quality. Fancy guppies prefer a slight current in their tanks. Sponge filters or small powerhead driven filters are recommended.
Water Changes
The Guppy does not like sudden changes in water parameters. When introducing them into your tank,
- Use anti-chloramines or anti-chlorine water conditioners.
- Equalize the temperature, pH, kH values with those of the tank water.
- Plan water changes in accordance to bioload.
- Do small weekly water changes of about 10-20% of the tank volume.
About Guppy
About Guppy (Poecilia Reticulata)
| Common Names: | Guppy, Millionfish |
| Scientific Name: | Poecilia Reticulata |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Sub-order: | Cyprinodontoidei |
| Lifespan: | 1-3 years |
| Size: | 1.5-3.5 cm (Male) 3-6 cm (Female) |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Natural Habitat: | Clear tropical waters (i.e. Caribbean Islands, etc.) |
| Water Parameters: | pH 6.8 – pH 7.8 |
| Water Temperature: | 23°C – 28°C |
| Water Hardness: | 8° dH – 12° dH |
| Reproduction: | Give live birth instead of laying eggs |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
Guppy Gender Differentiation
Guppy Gender Differentiation
|
Male |
Female |
| Has colour spots or patterns on its body | Has few or none body markings |
| Has a stick-shaped anal fin | Has a triangular anal fin |
| Has a bigger caudal fin | Has a translucent or black area above the anal fin ( gravid spot) |
Tank Mates
Tank Mates
The guppy is small-sized delicate fish that is unable to defend itself against aggressive tank mates, hence it is necessary to select any tank mates with due care.
There are a few aspects to consider when selecting tank mates.
- Tank mates should not exhibit any territorial or aggressive behaviour towards guppies
- Tank mates should not be predatory on guppies
- Tank mates should have similar water requirements as guppies.
Guppy Diet and Feeding Guide
Guppy Diet and Feeding Guide
Diet
Guppies are omnivorous and they eat almost anything in their natural habitat. Guppies that are domesticated are accustomed to being fed with pellets and flakes, like the MN-G1 (micro granules). Alternatively, live foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimps, or freeze dried foods like the Insta Fresh series.
Feeding Guide
Feeding 1-2 times daily would be recommended to keep Guppies healthy and well. Each feeding time should last about 1 minute. Do not overfeed your guppies, their intestine size is very small, which will lead to bloated stomach. You may also want to allocate a fasting day weekly for your Guppy to clear its digestive systems; this will help prevent bloating and constipation.
Learn More
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