Fish Information

September 26—Tell me about your fish.  Use fish books or the Internet to describe him/her/them and list at least 10 facts on requirements and behavior.

Species: Poecilia Reticulata

Common Names: Guppy, Fantails. 

Originated In: Barbados, Trinidad, Central and South America

Water Conditions: 

Ph: 5.5 - 8.5; 

Temp: 68 - 82°F (20 - 28°C) 

Hardness: Prefers Hard Water, but can survive in soft & neutral water. They can also be kept in Brackish (salty) water.

Temperament: Non-aggressive. Very friendly.

Adult Size: 2 to 2½ inches. Males are smaller

Water Region: guppies will generally swim in the middle & upper regions of the aquarium.

Food: Omnivorous. Guppies have small stomachs and can only consume a little bit of food at one feeding. Should be fed in small amounts at least 3 times daily.

• Guppies prefer a well-planted aquarium. Guppies tend to show richer colors on darker substrates (bottom material). Guppies should be kept in groups of no less than 3 (2 female to one male). 

• When mature, females are larger and rounder than males. Females are dull grey and while males are very colourful.

• Female guppies mature in about 3 months, male mature sooner. 

• A female's gestation period last approximately 4 weeks. 

• Females can store sperm, one mating can produce 4 to 8 sets of fry. (superfetation)