How to take care of a guppy fish
Guppy fish are a common variety of fish that you can find in fish tanks and aquariums as pets, as they don't need much care and they reproduce easily. They're known for their color and, especially, the size of the male's tail. If you're thinking about having fish as pets, we highly recommend this variety. Discover how to take care of a guppy fish on this oneHowTo.com article.
Steps to follow:
To begin with, we must highlight that guppies are very sociable fish and they're very appropriate for beginners in the caring of fish, as they don't require much complicated care. In general, guppies thrive in groups, which makes them even more appealing to those new to fishkeeping. They can be a delightful addition to your aquarium, providing both color and motion.
Guppy fish are hot water fish, they come from Central America, which is why it's recommended to raise them in temperatures between 22°C (72°F) & 28°C (82°F), with 25°C (77°F) being the optimum temperature. Even so, we must highlight that they're very adaptable to different water conditions. In addition to temperature, it's crucial to maintain water cleanliness and reduce stress by avoiding sudden changes in their environment.
Regarding the ideal aquarium, it's recommendable to use oxygenated fish tanks with a filter to stabilize water. The pH water level must be slightly alkaline, between 6.5 and 8. A well-maintained filter not only helps in keeping the water clean but also ensures the health and longevity of your guppy fish. It's also beneficial to include plants in the tank, as they can provide shelter and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.
These are omnivorous fish, so it's recommendable to feed them in small quantities but several times a day, as their metabolism is very fast. A varied diet consisting of high-quality fish flakes, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, can greatly enhance their colors and vitality. It is important to avoid overfeeding to prevent water contamination and health issues.
The guppy fish is peaceful - unlike others such as the betta fish- so we can have a group of them in the same aquarium. Although we must also say that they're not too compatible with territorial fish, as these prefer wide and calm spaces, and guppies' active nature can intrude in the more aggressive fishes' territory and make them uncomfortable. It's wise to choose tank mates that have similar temperaments and habitat requirements to ensure harmony in the aquarium.
Regarding the reproduction of guppy fish, we must remark they're oviparous, which means, babies will grow inside the eggs whilst in its mother's womb. This way, they feed on a yolk sac and not directly from the mother like viviparous. Guppies are known for their prolific breeding, and a single female can give birth to dozens of fry at once. It's beneficial to have a separate breeding tank to protect the young from being eaten by adult fish.
If you want to read similar articles to How to take care of a guppy fish, we recommend you visit our Pets category.
