The signs before guppies give birth mainly include the following manifestations:
Enlarged Belly and Darker Gravid Spots: The most obvious change is that the female fish's belly gets bigger and the color of the gravid spots becomes darker. The gravid spots are located on the sides of the female fish's belly, and the darker the color is, the closer it is to the birthing time.
Changes in Belly Shape: The female fish's belly will become square-shaped and the genital pore will protrude, which indicates that the abdomen is constantly swelling.
Changes in Swimming Behavior: The female fish may become more active with male fish following around, or it may show behaviors of hiding and restlessness.
Changes in Appetite: The female fish may eat less or stay still in a corner of the tank, showing a lack of interest in food.
Changes in Excrement: The excrement may become thicker.
Suggestions for Handling and Care:
Isolation: To avoid the female fish being disturbed during the birthing process or having conflicts with other fish, it is recommended to isolate the female fish in a separate birthing tank or use an isolation box in advance when the above symptoms are observed.
Postpartum Care: After giving birth, pay attention to the care of the female fish to ensure that its environment is quiet and undisturbed so that it can regain its strength.
By observing these signs, we can better prepare for and take care of the birthing process of guppies.