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feeder guppies

6K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  GuppyColorMaker 
#1 ·
Ok, so I'm re-setting up my tank and to test it I got some feeder guppies because they are the most similar in temperament and durability as the platys I was planing on buying, and really cheap. However after some reading I think I want to stick with guppies for the time being. I have a few questions about them that i could not find answered anywhere online, at least on with any assurance. For one, what makes them different from other guppies? Is it just that they are not as 'fancy' and because they are so prolific there are so many of them it is cheap to make them feeders? Also are they just adolescent guppies that will grow to the size of regular guppies or are they normally just a smaller fish than other guppies? Either way, at about what size should I expect them to reach sexual maturity?

Thanks for all the help!
 
#2 ·
bindel2303 said:
Ok, so I'm re-setting up my tank and to test it I got some feeder guppies because they are the most similar in temperament and durability as the platys I was planing on buying, and really cheap. However after some reading I think I want to stick with guppies for the time being. I have a few questions about them that i could not find answered anywhere online, at least on with any assurance. For one, what makes them different from other guppies? Is it just that they are not as 'fancy' and because they are so prolific there are so many of them it is cheap to make them feeders? Also are they just adolescent guppies that will grow to the size of regular guppies or are they normally just a smaller fish than other guppies? Either way, at about what size should I expect them to reach sexual maturity?

Thanks for all the help!
Correct. They're not selectively bred to obtain the flamboyant fins. They were only bred as feeders for predatory fish. All guppies are actually prolific. Only difference is appearance but still same species. Depending on the conditions provided, size varies, so does sexual maturity although expect several to be sexually matured in as early as a month. I loathe livebearers to be honest unless the other fish can really control the number of fry.:lol:
 
#3 ·
Unlike Lupin I really like livebearers but he is very right about population control. If you are not careful your guppies will breed themselves out of tank space.
As far as what are feeders, they breed so readily that they are cheap to produce as food for predators, but they are normal guppies that will grow larger and stay healthy if they are given good water conditions to live in.
 
#4 ·
Breed them yourself and save more money. It will also result in a healthier feeder for your predators.

Make sure to gte new adults every 6 months or so and make sure to get them from different sources if possible. This will help keep the gene pool diverse and keep the generations healthier.
 
#6 ·
I love fancy guppies. Colors are amazing!
 
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