The lifespan of guppies typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, with the exact duration being influenced by factors such as the rearing environment, breed, and breeding frequency. Here’s an analysis of the key influencing factors:
Basic Lifespan Range
Under average rearing conditions, it’s mostly 1 to 2 years.
In high-quality environments, it can reach 2 to 3 years, and a few hardy breeds may live even longer.
When male fish are kept in a community tank, their lifespan is usually shorter than that of females (around 1 year).
Main Factors That Shorten Lifespan
Frequent breeding: Monthly reproduction can accelerate the wear and tear of female fish.
Deteriorating water quality: If the water isn’t changed, it can be fatal in as little as 3 to 4 days.
Temperature fluctuations: Temperatures below 16°C or drastic changes can weaken their physical condition.
Key Care Tips to Extend Lifespan
Maintain a stable water temperature between 22-28°C.
Use dechlorinated water that has been left to stand for 2-3 days, and add nitrifying bacteria.
Provide separate post-birth care for female fish and supplement with high-protein feed.
Signs of End-of-Life
Slow swimming, floating on the water surface, loss of appetite, or physical swelling/emaciation. If these symptoms are observed, the fish should be isolated for observation promptly.
It’s worth noting that although their lifespan is relatively short, guppies have extremely strong reproductive capabilities. A pair of healthy parent fish can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.