Importing Guppies: Thailand Guide

Guppies are a popular choice for fish enthusiasts, and Thailand is a key source of these colourful fish. There are several companies in Thailand that specialise in exporting live freshwater tropical fish, including guppies. These companies offer a wide range of guppy varieties, from the standard to the rare and uniquely coloured. With the right connections and knowledge, importing guppies from Thailand is a straightforward process.

Guppy importers in Thailand

Guppies are a popular choice for fish enthusiasts due to their vibrant colours, and Thailand is a major exporter of these tropical fish. If you're looking to import guppies from Thailand, there are several suppliers and exporters to consider.

Grand Aquatic (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Specialising in exporting live freshwater tropical fish and water plants from Thailand, Grand Aquatic offers a range of species, including guppies, bettas, sharks, and loaches. They have a website with contact information and details about their offerings: http://www.grandaquatic.com/

Bangkok Aqua Plus Co. Ltd.

Bangkok Aqua Plus is another exporter of live freshwater tropical fish, specifically from Thailand. They have passed the necessary quality control for export and are recognised by the Department of Fisheries of Thailand. Their website is: http://www.asiatropicalfish.com/

Mister Aqua (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Mister Aqua offers a wide range of live tropical fish, aquatic plants, fish food, and aquarium decorations. They supply to importers and can be contacted through their website: http://www.misteraqua.biz/

Asia Tropic Zone Co. Ltd.

Asia Tropic Zone exports a variety of aquarium freshwater tropical fish, Koi, cold-water fish, and aquatic plants to wholesalers worldwide. Their website provides further information: http://www.asiatropic.com/

Iqbal and Brothers Aquatic Trade and Cargo Co. Ltd.

Iqbal and Brothers is an export/import wholesaler of live aquarium, freshwater, ornamental, and tropical fish based in Thailand. They have been in the industry since 2002 and offer a diverse selection of high-quality live tropical fish and aquatic plants. Their website is: https://www.iqbalnbrothers.com/

Additionally, online platforms like Alibaba.com and eBay also offer Thailand guppies for import, providing a wide range of products and suppliers to choose from. These websites allow you to connect directly with suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring a seamless importing process.

Guppy export requirements

When exporting guppies from Thailand, there are several requirements and recommendations to ensure the health and safety of the fish, as well as compliance with local regulations. Here are the key considerations:

• Health Certificates: Ensure you obtain the necessary health certificates for your guppies. The Department of Fisheries of Thailand mandates that exporters pass the control of quality for export set by the Inland Aquatic Animal Health Research Institute. This helps guarantee the health and wellbeing of the fish during transit.
• Export Permits: Familiarize yourself with Thailand's export regulations for live fish. You may need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from relevant authorities, such as the Department of Fisheries, to legally export guppies from the country.
• Wholesaler or Breeder: Source your guppies from a reputable wholesaler or breeder in Thailand. Companies like Iqbal and Brothers Aquatic Trade and Cargo Co. Ltd., Bangkok Aqua Plus Co. Ltd., and Grand Aquatic (Thailand) Co. Ltd. have experience in exporting live tropical fish and can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Aquatic Plants and Ornaments: If you're exporting guppies for aquariums, consider including aquatic plants and decorations. Companies like Mister Aqua (Thailand) Co. Ltd. offer a range of live tropical fish, plants, and ornaments, providing a one-stop solution for your export needs.
• Survival Rate: Work with exporters who guarantee the survival of the guppies during transportation. Jeda Aquarium Ltd. Part., for example, guarantees a 100% survival rate for their exported tropical freshwater fish.
• Shipping and Packaging: Ensure that the guppies are packaged and transported safely and humanely. Work with reputable shipping companies that have experience in transporting live fish. Consider factors such as water temperature, oxygen levels, and protection from extreme temperatures during transit.
• Destination Requirements: Research the import requirements of the destination country. Familiarize yourself with any specific regulations, permits, or quarantine procedures that may be necessary for importing live fish into that country. Ensure that you comply with all the necessary destination-specific requirements.
• Customs Clearance: Prepare the necessary documentation for customs clearance at the port of exit in Thailand and the port of entry in the destination country. This may include commercial invoices, packing lists, health certificates, and any other relevant documents.
• Transit Times: Minimize transit times as much as possible to reduce stress on the fish. Work with shipping companies that offer efficient and timely transportation to ensure the guppies reach their destination promptly.
• Payment and Insurance: Clarify payment terms and insurance coverage with your chosen exporter and shipping company. Ensure that you understand the costs involved, including any additional charges for special handling or expedited shipping.

By following these requirements and recommendations, you can ensure a smooth process when exporting guppies from Thailand, complying with local regulations, and maintaining the health and safety of the fish throughout the journey.

Guppy health benefits

Guppies are a common and easy-to-care-for fish, making them great pets for both beginners and experienced fish owners. They are a colourful and lively breed, with a variety of tail shapes and colours, and are not fussy eaters. They are also able to adapt to a variety of water conditions.

When selecting a healthy guppy, there are several indicators to look out for. Firstly, observe the guppy's behaviour. A healthy guppy will be actively swimming around, and not hanging out at the bottom of the tank. They may swim to the top of the tank and beg for food, but this does not mean they are underfed; rather, it indicates that they have been fed often enough to associate humans with food.

Secondly, examine the guppy's fins. Healthy guppies will have flared-out fins, with fin rays spread out, not clamped against their bodies. Check for signs of infection, such as white spots, dots, or fuzzy patches, and make sure there are no rips, holes, or tears. Avoid guppies with ragged edges on their fins, as this indicates fin rot.

Thirdly, pay attention to the guppy's head. The eyes should be clear and not cloudy or protruding, as this could indicate a condition called "popeye". Avoid fish that are breathing rapidly, flapping their gills more than once a second. Also, check the mouth for ulcers.

Finally, inspect the guppy's body. Look for a rounded belly, except in pregnant female guppies, and avoid fish with sunken bellies or a "pinched" look where the body meets the head, which could indicate chronic undernourishment or illness. Ensure the body is free from white spots, patches, or fuzz, which can indicate bacteria and protozoan parasites.

Guppy breeding

Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. They are native to South America, including the islands of Barbados and Trinidad, and are commonly kept in aquariums due to their vibrant colours, hardiness, ease of breeding, and graceful physical appearance.

Setting up a Breeding Tank

It is recommended to use a 10-20 gallon tank with a heater and a gentle filter to prevent baby guppies, or "fry", from being sucked up. Guppies are cannibalistic, so it is important to provide hiding places for the fry, such as low-floating plants and high cover. Avoid using a substrate as it is easier to clean a bare-bottom tank and track the number of fry. Java moss or spawning moss are ideal hiding spots for guppies.

Preparing the Guppies for Breeding

Set the tank temperature to 77-80°F (25-26.6°C) and provide the guppies with food that has a higher nutritional value to promote healthy breeding. It is recommended to have one male and two to three females to reduce the male's aggression towards the female. Guppies breed rapidly, so you only need to wait. Remove the male to the regular tank when you notice the female(s) are pregnant—this can be identified by a dark mark on their abdomen called a "gravid spot".

Birth and Aftercare

The gestation period for guppies is 26-31 days, and they give birth to live young rather than eggs. Monitor the pregnant female closely and remove her from the tank immediately after giving birth, as she may eat her babies. Keep the tank temperature at around 78°F (25.5°C) and clean the tank often—siphons and 40% water changes every few days are ideal. Feed the fry brine shrimp, micro-worms, or powdered flakes twice a day, ensuring that all leftover food is removed within five minutes to prevent the water from becoming toxic.

Guppy care

Guppies are a popular choice for aquariums due to their brilliant colours, lively personalities, and ease of breeding. Here is a detailed guide on how to care for your guppies:

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Guppies grow to an average length of 2 inches, so the recommended tank size is a 5-gallon aquarium for a trio of guppies. However, given their quick reproduction rate, a 10- or 20-gallon aquarium is more suitable in the long run.
• Tank Mates: Guppies are social and schooling fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least three or more of the same species. They can be kept with other peaceful community fish like cory catfish and neon tetras. Avoid aggressive fish that may nip their fins or eat them, such as tiger barbs or bala sharks.
• Water Parameters: Guppies prefer a pH level of 7.0 or higher and hard water with good amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals. An aquarium heater is recommended to maintain a water temperature between 76-78°F.
• Filtration: Use gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, to prevent tiny fry from being sucked up. Guppies also benefit from live plants like Java moss, which provides excellent cover for babies.
• Decorations: Guppies enjoy hiding in live plants and other decorations. Plants offer hiding spots for babies and a place for adults to rest.

Feeding:

• Diet: Guppies are omnivores and can be fed a variety of flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, or frozen foods. It is important to provide a balanced diet and not overfeed, as this can lead to constipation and other health issues.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed adult guppies once or twice a day, as much as they can eat in one minute. For fry, increase feedings to 3-5 times a day but in smaller amounts to avoid fouling the water.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

• Water Changes: Perform routine water changes of 10-25% of the total water volume every two to four weeks. Avoid draining and replacing all the water, as this will remove beneficial bacteria.
• Water Testing: Test the water regularly to ensure stable pH, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels. Use a water test kit for accurate measurements.
• Filtration Maintenance: Rinse the filter media monthly in old tank water during water changes. Do not use hot water, bleach, or chemicals, as these can kill beneficial bacteria.

Health and Common Issues:

• Signs of a Healthy Guppy: Regular and active swim pattern, intact fins, full range of fin motion, bulging eyes, and changes in coloration.
• Common Illnesses: Dropsy, bacterial and fungal infections, oral and skin infections, and swim bladder disorders.
• Veterinary Care: Consult an aquatics veterinarian if there are any problems with your guppies. Transporting guppies can be stressful, so it is best to find a veterinarian who can make house calls.

Guppies are generally easy to care for and make great pets for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. By providing a suitable environment, proper diet, and regular maintenance, you can ensure the health and happiness of your guppy fish.

Frequently asked questions