El guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the most popular species in aquarium keeping. Its easy maintenance, vibrant colors and simple reproduction make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experts. In this guide, we will teach you Everything you need to know to care for guppy fish, ensuring their well-being and longevity in your aquarium.
Characteristics of the guppy fish
Guppies are tropical freshwater fish native to South America. They are found in rivers and lakes in Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Brazil. They are known for their great ability to adapt to different habitats and their diversity of colors.
- Size: Males measure between 3 and 5 cm, while females are usually larger, reaching 6 cm.
- Life expectancy: They usually live between 2 and 5 years, depending on care.
- Colors: There are over 300 varieties with unique color combinations.
- Temperament: They are peaceful and sociable fish, ideal for community aquariums.
How to prepare the ideal aquarium for guppy fish
Before adding guppies to your aquarium, it is important to properly set up their environment to ensure their well-being.
Aquarium size
Guppies need adequate space to swim and breed. It is recommended:
- For a small group (3 to 5 fish): Aquariums of at least 40 liters.
- For a larger community: Aquariums of 80 liters or more.
water parameters
The water must be well balanced:
- Temperature: Between 22 and 28 ºC; the ideal is 25 ºC.
- pH: Between 6,5 and 8.
- Hardness: Between 10 and 25 ºGH.
To maintain these parameters, it is advisable to have a PH meter and a water heater.
Filtration and maintenance
- It is essential a low power filter to prevent the fry from being sucked in.
- Performs partial water changes weekly (20-30%) to keep it clean.
Recommended decoration and plants
Guppies enjoy a natural environment with plants and hiding places. Some recommended options include:
- Java Moss
- Java fern
- Floating plants to dim the light.
Feeding the guppy fish
Guppies are omnivores, so their diet should be varied and balanced.
What do guppies eat?
- Commercial food: High quality flakes specific for tropical fish.
- Live foods: Artemia, daphnia and mosquito larvae, rich in protein.
- Vegetables: Cooked spinach, zucchini and peas as a nutritional supplement.
power frequency
- Feed your guppies 1 or 2 times a day In small quantities.
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent water contamination.
Breeding and breeding guppies
Guppies are viviparous, meaning that females give birth to live young rather than spawning eggs.
How to differentiate male and female
- The Males They are smaller and more colorful with long fins.
- The females They are larger with less striking colors and a visible pregnancy mark when pregnant.
Tips for breeding
- Keep a ratio of 1 male for every 3 females to avoid stress in females.
- If you want to maximize the survival of the fry, place them in a farrowing or in a separate aquarium.
- The fry can be fed with brine shrimp nauplii and powdered food for small fish.
Common diseases in guppies
Some common diseases that can affect guppies include:
- White spot (Ich): Caused by parasites, it causes white spots on the body.
- Fin rot: Bacterial infection that damages the fins.
- Dropsy: Fluid retention that causes the fish to swell.
Maintaining water quality and offering a balanced diet helps prevent disease.
By following these recommendations, your guppies will be healthy and happy in your aquarium. Remember to keep the water clean, provide them with a suitable environment and feed them a balanced diet.