Guppy
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit warm springs and their effluents, weedy ditches and canals . They are found in various habitats, ranging from highly turbid water in ponds, canals and ditches at low elevations to pristine mountain streams at high elevations . They occur in wide variety of habitats with low predation pressure, usually in very small streams and densely vegetated lakes and springs . Their salinity range is wide but requires fairly warm temperatures (23-24 °C) and quiet vegetated water for survival . They feed on zooplankton, small insects and detritus. One of the most popular aquarium fishes with many standardized varieties. Used in genetics research. Female reaches 5 cm SL . Males mature at 2 months and females at 3 months of age . Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm . A very popular and widely available species in the aquarium trade. In Australia, wild populations were established prior to the 1970s, undoubtedly the result of thoughtless aquarists discarding unwanted pets . Maximum length for female taken from Ref. 43281.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Guppy is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Males are about half the size of females with colorful tail and caudal fin; the anal fin is transformed into a gonopodium for internal fertilization. Males are continuously chasing and mating females. Females can store sperms for later fertilization and may produce young every four weeks. Pregnant females are recognizable by black triangle between anal and pelvic fins. After a gestation period of four to six weeks females give birth to 20-40 live young. No parental care is exercised and parents may even prey on their young.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19; non-migratory . Tropical; 18°C - 28°C ; 14°N - 2°N, 67°W - 52°W South America: Venezuela, Barbados, Trinidad, northern Brazil and the Guyanas.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton, small insects and detritus
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🚨 Invasive Species Impact
- competition with native species
- habitat modification
- management and control costs
- fishery impacts in some areas
Prevention of further spread through import bans, targeted removal in sensitive areas.
Monitoring and containment programs in place.
References: Compiled from IUCN Global Invasive Species Database, USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database, and CABI Invasive Species Compendium.
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Guppy.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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