Page 168 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

166 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Poecilia reticulata (continued)
One of the most significant factors to consider
when breeding guppies is that a female needs to
mate only once in order to continue producing
young throughout her life—potentially giving
birth to seven or more broods using sperm
stored in her body. This is why even if you
choose a well-marked male and female from the
same tank in a pet store, the likelihood will be that
at least some of the young will not be the offspring
of that particular male (although the majority of
offspring are likely to be the result of the most
recent mating). This also explains how females
kept on their own can give birth to young.
The only way to be sure of the parentage of Golden Snakeskin Delta Guppy
guppies is to separate the sexes as early as possible. This is one of a number of guppy
As soon as the young males can be recognized by varieties that have become very popular
their gonopodium—usually when they are about in Russia. It is thought that the famous The snakeskin patterning can be
combined with other colors, but it
three weeks old—they should be transferred to a Moscow Blue strain may have evolved is usually associated with varieties
separate tank. The females will be noticeably larger from the Snakeskin line. displaying a broad caudal fin
than the males from three months onward, by
which time some of the males will already be
sexually mature. A female guppy will have her
first brood approximately a month after mating.
The number of offspring produced is likely to be
small at first, sometimes no more than 10, but it
increases to between 50 and 100 per brood as the Variable coloring on tail The reptilian
female grows bigger. Some strains are more includes distinct areas of markings extend
prolific breeders than others. yellow, red, and white over the entire body

Cornflower Blue Delta Guppy (below) Red Varitail Guppy (above) Broad-tailed guppies like Gold Cobra Delta Guppy Of American origin, Cobra
The exact patterning on the broad tail the Red Varitail tend to be more popular than those Guppies are now popular internationally. The male (seen
varies between individuals, allowing them with narrow tails, because the wide caudal fin allows above) is always more colorful than the female, although
to be distinguished quite easily, but the for some striking tail patterns to be developed. she may display a patterned caudal fin in some strains.
body coloration should be a
consistent feature. Even projections on Golden coloration
the caudal fin on the body

Golden Lyretail Guppy The upper and lower rays of this
guppy’s caudal fin are greatly extended, creating a sleek
appearance. It is important in the lyre-tailed forms that
these two areas are symmetrical and even in size.

Tuxedo Rainbow Delta Guppy When selecting these
and other delta-tailed guppies, be sure to check that
there is no significant damage to the broad caudal fin,
which could lead to a life-threatening infection.

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