GUPPY JUST HAD BABIES!!!

healynn

I'm so excited! but I have a question. She only has 4 this morning and still looks pregnant. Should I expect some more today? or do you think she is done?

Bristle nose

Yes, you can expect to get some more!

Lupin

If your fish's abdomen looks sunken, she has finished her job with dropping the fry. Most of the fry have been eaten but the survivors you have may have better chances of surviving in the future.:)

Weak fry do not last long so they are often easy to be preyed on by other fish and even the cannibalistic mother itself.

Oh, and she'll be gravid again after that. Gestation period may take 3-4 weeks.

healynn

bout how many more do you think? I'm under the impression from what I've gathered about guppies that I should be expecting at least 10-15

Lupin

More like 30-40 fry. At this rate, most of them will not survive. But they're very prolific so you don't have to worry about it. You may not be able to accommodate the whole batch of fry. Best to leave nature to take its course.:) Guppies weren't known 'million fish' for nothing.:)

One more thing..separate your guppies in terms of gender. Inbreeding is likely to happen among siblings. Their sexes will be distinguishable in about 3 months but that may depend on how you feed them and maintain the tank.:)

healynn

At what rate they wont survive? Im not quite understanding...

Lupin

With too many fry, of course, many will not survive. You would imagine some are stillborn at birth, fish preying on them and deformed ones not likely to last long.:)

Inbreeding and poor quality should be taken into consideration. Both are brought by crossing of the siblings and even being relatives. Guppies tend to inbreed hence my advice to separate the sexes as soon as the sexes are distinguishable.

healynn

Ahh, I see your point. I will probably end up selling them to a petstore or to a friend.