Separating Guppy Fry: A How-To Guide

Guppies are vibrant, easily bred fish, but their fry often face the danger of being consumed by their parents or other fish in the tank. To prevent this, you can separate the pregnant guppy into a breeder net, a separate tank, or a breeding box within the tank. It is important to monitor the tank until the mother gives birth, as the baby guppies will need a safe environment to grow.

Additionally, creating an optimal environment for the baby guppies is crucial. This includes maintaining a tank temperature between 76 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C), installing a filter, and regularly cleaning the tank. Providing live plants or floating plants, such as hornworts, guppy grass, or java moss, can offer hiding spots for the fry and increase their chances of survival.

Feeding the baby guppies a mix of fresh and dry food, such as ground-up dry food for baby livebearing fish and dried bloodworms, is essential for their growth. It is recommended to feed them every 2-3 hours for the first 6 weeks and then decrease the frequency to every 4-5 hours.

By following these steps, you can effectively separate and care for guppy fry, ensuring their safety and healthy development.

Use a temporary container

If you don't have a separate breeding tank, you can still separate guppy fry from their parents by using a temporary container. This could be a large glass jar or plastic container. Transfer the pregnant female guppy to this container when she begins the birthing process.

This method is cheaper than buying a separate tank, as you won't need to invest in additional equipment like a heater or filter. It's also convenient, as you won't need to worry about matching the water parameters of the main aquarium.

However, it's important to remember that this is only a temporary solution. Guppy fry cannot be kept in a temporary container for too long, as it will slow down their growth. After two weeks, they should be transferred to a separate tank or released into the main tank if there is enough space.

If you're using a temporary container, make sure to provide hiding spots for the fry, such as live plants like guppy grass, hornwort, java moss, and the roots of water lettuce. These shelters can protect the fry for a couple of weeks, giving them time to grow stronger and more agile, reducing the risk from adult fish.

Invest in a breeding box

If you're unable to separate the pregnant female guppy into a different tank, a breeding box is a great alternative. This small container, made of mesh or plastic, can be placed directly into your main tank. Breeding boxes are designed with compartments to allow water to circulate, maintaining water quality while keeping the guppy fry safely inside.

There are several benefits to using a breeding box. Firstly, it provides a safe haven for the fry, separating them from potential predators, including their own adult counterparts. Secondly, it creates a stress-free environment for pregnant guppies, reducing stress during delivery and allowing the fry to develop peacefully without disturbance. The survival rate of the fry increases significantly, as they are provided with adequate space, nutrition, and protection within the box.

Breeding boxes also make it incredibly easy to monitor the progress of your pregnant guppies and the growth of the fry. You can observe their development, watch for any signs of illness, and monitor their interaction with the environment. Additionally, breeding boxes provide controlled breeding, helping to prevent overcrowding in your aquarium and ensuring a healthy habitat for all its inhabitants.

When selecting a breeding box, consider options such as the Fluval Multi-Chamber Holding and Breeding Box, which is easy to install and offers up to three separate compartments. The Petzilla Aquarium Breeding Box is another excellent choice, featuring a high-quality acrylic design that creates a safe space for baby guppies and improves their survival rate.

Investing in a breeding box is a worthwhile decision, offering a controlled and healthy environment for your guppies to thrive and ensuring the protection and well-being of your precious fry.

Create hiding spots

Creating hiding spots is an effective way to protect guppy fry from being eaten by adult fish. Here are some methods to create hiding spots to enhance the survival chances of guppy fry:

Use Live Plants

Live plants such as guppy grass, hornwort, java moss, and the roots of water lettuce can provide essential hiding spots for guppy fry. These plants offer protection from adult fish and support a balanced ecosystem by enhancing water quality and harbouring beneficial microorganisms. The dense foliage of these plants provides cover, allowing the fry to evade potential predators.

Install Floating Plants

Floating plants provide surface cover for newborn guppy fry, who often swim towards the top of the tank. These plants can be real or artificial. Grouping two or three plants close together forms a safe haven for the fry. Floating plants, such as java moss, are easily accessible and provide both shelter and a food source for the young guppies.

Create Yarn Mops

Another innovative way to create hiding spots is by making yarn mops. Take some acrylic yarn and wrap it around a hardcover book multiple times to create a thick layer. Then, tie a knot tightly around the bundle and cut the loops on the opposite side. You will be left with a bushy mess. Tie another piece of yarn underneath the first knot to secure the bundle. These yarn mops can be tossed into the tank, providing cover for the fry while allowing them to swim through easily.

Use Caves and Plant Pots

Caves and small plant pots also serve as excellent hiding spots for guppy fry. Place a plant in front of the cave or pot to create an effective camouflage for the young fish.

Maintain warmer water

Maintaining warmer water is not mandatory for guppy fry but is recommended if you want to boost their metabolism and accelerate their growth rate. Aim for a water temperature of 80 °F (26.7 °C). This temperature is within the optimal range for guppies, which is between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

Guppies are tropical fish, and in the wild, they live in warm water. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but the minimum recommended temperature is 72 °F (22 °C). Guppies can survive in water as cool as 65°F (18 °C) for a short period, but the chances of them developing diseases are high.

If you want to grow your guppies faster, warmer water is the way to go. Guppies will have a shorter lifespan but will grow much faster in warmer water. On the other hand, if you are keeping guppies as a hobby and not for profit, cooler water is fine. Guppies will live longer in cooler water.

To maintain warmer water, you will likely need an aquarium heater, especially if you live in a climate where the outdoor temperature drops below 68 °F (20 °C) in winter. Choose a heater that is the right size for your tank's water volume. When doing water changes, adjust the temperature of the fresh water to be as close as possible to the temperature in the aquarium to avoid shocking the guppies.

It is important to provide stable water temperature for your guppies, as sudden fluctuations can cause stress and illness. Guppies have a faster metabolism in warmer water, so they will eat more and grow at an accelerated rate. However, very warm water can harm the fish, and above 86 °F (30 °C), the oxygen level can become critical. Therefore, regular monitoring of the water temperature is crucial.

Prioritise regular water changes

Water changes are an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment for your guppy fry. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips to help you prioritise and perform regular water changes effectively:

Frequency and Amount:

• Aim for 50% water changes twice a week. Some breeders even recommend daily water changes, ranging from 50% to 100% of the tank's volume.
• If you're feeding your fry heavily, consider doing smaller water changes (15-20%) more frequently (3-4 times per week) to keep waste and toxins at a minimum.
• At a minimum, replace at least 1/4 of the water each week with fresh, clean water if you can't perform full water changes.

Water Quality:

• Always use treated water to remove chlorine and other chemicals. Let tap water sit for 24 hours before use if you don't have access to water treatment products.
• Consider using a water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals, especially if you're using tap water.
• Maintain stable water parameters, including temperature and pH levels. Guppies prefer warmer water temperatures of around 75-80 °F, and a pH between 6.8-7.8.
• Check water hardness, keeping it between 150-450 ppm for optimal results.

Water Circulation:

• Ensure proper water circulation in the tank, especially if you're using a breeding box or container without a filter.
• Use a simple sponge filter to provide gentle water movement without creating strong currents that may exhaust the fry.
• Avoid using powerful internal or external filters that can generate strong water flow.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Regularly clean and maintain the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Perform gravel vacuuming to remove waste and debris from the substrate.
• Clean the tank walls to remove any algae or grime build-up.
• Consider using live plants, such as java moss or guppy grass, to help maintain water quality and provide hiding spots for the fry.

Frequently asked questions