The key steps in breeding guppies include selection and pairing, spawning and fertilization, hatching and fry care.
Selection and Pairing: Choosing healthy male and female guppies for pairing is the first step towards successful breeding. Female guppies usually have larger bodies and rounder abdomens, while male guppies are smaller and have slimmer abdomens. Put the male and female fish into the same tank and observe their interactions. If the female shows courtship behavior towards the male, it indicates that they are ready to breed.
Spawning and Fertilization: The spawning process of guppies usually occurs at night or in the early morning. The female will lay eggs among aquatic plants or in the crevices of stones, with the number of eggs laid each time ranging from 20 to 30. The fertilization process takes several hours to a few days, during which it is necessary to keep the water quality clean to avoid the influence of harmful substances.
Hatching and Fry Care: The fertilized eggs need 7 to 14 days to hatch into fry. During the hatching period, it is essential to closely monitor the changes in water temperature and quality and provide a suitable environment and food. After the fry are born, it is necessary to provide egg yolk water or special fry food and keep the water clean to prevent bacteria from growing.
Precautions during the Breeding Process:
Water Temperature Control: Guppies need a relatively high water temperature (28 - 30 degrees Celsius) during the breeding period, which helps shorten the breeding cycle and improve the survival rate of the fry.
Water Quality Management: Keep the water quality clean, change the water once a week, and ensure that the pH value and GH value are within the appropriate ranges (pH 6.8 - 7.8, GH 7 - 12).
Isolation Measures: Using breeding isolation boxes or setting up barriers can prevent the female from eating the small fish while providing enough space for them to move around.
By following the above steps and precautions, the breeding success rate of guppies can be effectively improved and the healthy growth of the fry can be ensured.