A Detailed Explanation of the Guppy Pregnancy Cycle
1. Basic Pregnancy Duration
Typically lasts 21–30 days, with an average of 28 days to complete childbirth.
High summer temperatures (25–28°C) may shorten it to 21–25 days, while low winter temperatures can extend it beyond 30 days.
First-time mothers or special breeds (such as Ribbon Guppies) may require 28–32 days.
2. Stage Characteristics for Judgment
Early Stage (1–7 Days)
Flat abdomen; fetal spots appear light black or orange-red.
Mid Stage (7–18 Days)
Fetal spots darken in color; abdomen bulges into a round shape.
Late Stage (18–30 Days)
Abdomen squares off into an "L" shape; genital opening protrudes; swimming becomes sluggish.
Parturition Signals (24 Hours Before Birth)
Fry eyes visible through the transparent abdomen; the female isolates herself in a corner and refuses food.
3. Key Influencing Factors
Optimal water temperature is 26–28°C; each 1°C drop may extend the pregnancy by 2–3 days.
Feeding live prey can shorten the cycle, while malnutrition delays it by 5–7 days.
Healthy females maintain stable pregnancy durations, while sick individuals may experience pseudopregnancy.
4. Precautions
Isolate females around day 25 of pregnancy to prevent fry from being eaten.
Some females give birth in batches, with 12–48 hours between deliveries.
If no birth occurs after 35 days, check for dystocia.