9 Signs Your Guppy is About to Deliver
The ultimate guide to identifying pregnancy and preparing for fry.
Guppies are a popular breed of fish raised today because they are easy to keep, have many beautiful colours, and reproduce quickly. If you are interested in breeding fry, this article is for you.
Let's go with Micro Aquatic Shop to find out the gestation period and the 9 Must-Know Signs of Delivery!
1 How long is a guppy pregnant?
📅 The gestation period is typically 20 to 32 days.
Guppies are fast-spawning ornamental fish. After spawning, they immediately prepare for the next round. Most female guppies can become pregnant at a very early age. If the male guppies are not separated, they can continue to spawn monthly for many years.
This timeline depends on the temperature of the aquarium, the female guppy's health, and the tank's cleanliness.
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Breeding guppies satisfies your passion for aquariums, but it also has economic benefits. You can sell successful breeds to hobbyists or start an aquarium business. Breeding allows you to discover, develop, and improve your seed source, ensuring pure and high-standard genetics.
3 Spawning Characteristics
When you keep guppies, you will often see the male chasing the female constantly. This is the primary sign that the female has reached the reproductive stage.
- Frequency: Once a month (or twice every 3 months).
- Quantity: 100-200 fry per spawning.
- Early Signs: Growing belly, slowed activity, and refusing food.
Physical Signs of Pregnancy
1. The "Boxy" Belly
The belly will expand significantly. Unlike a "full" belly from eating, a pregnant belly often looks squared-off or boxy near the end of the term.
2. The Gravid Spot
Observe the spot near the anal fin. It becomes darker (red or black) and larger. In albino/yellow guppies, this may appear pink or orange.
3. Protruding Anus
Just before giving birth, the anus may appear protruding.
Behavioral Signs of Delivery
Hiding & Isolation
Female guppies often become less active. They settle on the bottom of the aquarium, behind plants, or behind decorations. This indicates they are in labor and trying to avoid disturbance.
Shivering & Spinning
You may notice the female constantly lifting her tail, spinning, or swimming in one spot while shivering. These are signs of contractions.
Loss of Appetite
They may suddenly refuse to eat or spit food out right before giving birth.
Aggression
If male guppies approach, the pregnant female may snap, bite fins, or chase them away to protect her space.
4 How to Care for Spawning Guppies
Guppies typically spawn at night or early morning. Because the mother (and other fish) may eat the fry, preparation is key.
⚡ Crucial Step: Isolation
Isolate the female immediately when you see signs of labor. Use a separate breeding box or tank. Design a shelter where fry can hide (like Java Moss) so they aren't eaten by the mother.
After Care & Fry Nutrition
Once spawning is complete, return the mother to the main tank to recover. The fry have a yolk sac for nutrition for the first 2-3 days.
- Weeks 1-2: Fry mainly eat algae or powdered fry food.
- Week 3+: Supplement with small pellets suitable for their size.
- Temperature: Maintain stable water temperature for high survival rates.
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Read: 12 Surprising Tips for Breeding Guppies
