The size of guppies is influenced by a variety of factors, including gender, breed, and rearing conditions. Here is a comprehensive analysis:
Gender Differences
Female guppies are generally larger than males. Adult females can reach a body length of 5-7 cm, while males, with their tails accounting for a larger proportion of their body, typically measure 3-5 cm in length. Males are more ornamental, boasting bright, spreading tail colors, while females have a rounder body shape but plainer colors.
Growth Stages
Juvenile Stage: Newly hatched guppy fry are approximately 1 cm long. After one month, they can grow to 1.5-2 cm, and under ideal conditions (such as frequent feeding with live bait), they may even reach 3 cm.
Mature Stage: After 3 months, their body length can reach 5-8 cm, but the growth rate slows down significantly in the later stages.
Impact of Breeds and Rearing
Wild guppies are smaller, ranging from 2.5-5 cm in length. Artificially bred ornamental varieties (such as Thai Red Diamond and Neon Fantasy) can reach 6-8 cm, and genetically modified individuals in laboratories can even exceed 7 cm.
Key Rearing Factors:
Nutrition: High-protein feeds (such as brine shrimp) can accelerate growth. Juvenile fish need to be fed 4-6 times a day.
Environment: The water volume should be more than 10 liters, with a water temperature of 24-28°C and a pH value of 7.2-7.4. Regular water changes are necessary to avoid water quality deterioration.
Special Cases and Considerations
Some breeds (such as blue-white guppies) grow more slowly, and red-white varieties may experience developmental delays due to genetic differences. If fry are still less than 1.5 cm after one month, it is necessary to check the nutritional content of the feed or the water quality.