Best Breeding for Guppy
Guppies are highly prolific livebearers. The gestation period of a guppy is 21–30 days, with an average of 28 days, varying according to water temperature. After the female guppy is inseminated, a dark area near the anus, known as the gravid spot, will enlarge and darken.
Just before birth, the eyes of fry may be seen through the translucent skin in this area. Guppies prefer water temperatures of about 27 °C (81 °F) for reproduction. The female guppy has drops of between 2–100 fry, typically ranging between 5 and 30. From the moment of birth, each fry is fully capable of swimming, eating, and avoiding danger. After giving birth, the female is ready for conception again within only a few hours.
Guppies have the ability to store sperm, so the females can give birth many times, after only once breeding with a male. If not kept separate, the older, mature guppies will eat the fry so the use of a breeder box, net breeder, or a separate 20–40 litres (4–9 imp gal; 5–11 USgal) tank is recommended. Live plants may be used as hiding places for the fry.
Young fry take roughly three or four months to reach maturity. In the aquarium, they are usually fed finely ground flake foods, baby brine shrimp or, unless they are put in a separate tank, uneaten food from the adults. In addition, they nibble on algae.