Detailed Breakdown of the Guppy Life Cycle
I. Characteristics of Life Cycle Stages
Embryonic Stage (0–7 Days Post-Fertilization)
Develops inside the mother’s body; takes approximately 28 days to complete at a water temperature of 26–28°C.
The time until birth can be determined by observing the gravid spot on the female guppy.
Newborn Stage (0–30 Days Old)
Body length ranges from 0.6–1.2 cm; requires 0.3mm micro-pellet food.
This is the stage with the highest mortality rate (around 40%), so 10% of the tank water should be changed daily.
Sexual Maturity Stage (2–4 Months Old)
The anal fin of male guppies transforms into a gonopodium (mating organ).
Female guppies develop swollen abdomens and darker gravid spots.
First breeding is recommended after the guppies reach 4 months of age.
II. Key Physiological Parameters
Growth Rate
Grows 1.5–2 cm per month in the first 3 months.
Reproductive Capacity
Number of offspring per birth: 10–30 fry for first-time mothers; 80–120 fry during peak reproductive years.
Sperm storage period: Males can store sperm for up to 8 months.
Signs of Aging
Body length decreases by more than 10%.
Caudal fins (tail fins) become translucent.
Food intake reduces by 30%.
III. Factors Affecting Lifespan
Water Quality Fluctuations: A daily pH fluctuation of more than ±0.2 significantly shortens lifespan.
Breeding Frequency: Breeding more than 6 times a year accelerates aging.
Nutrition Intake: Lack of live food and vitamin supplements impairs health.
Temperature Control: Long-term deviation from the ideal range of 25±1°C weakens the immune system.
IV. Special Life Cycle Management
Breeding Period Care
Isolate pregnant females individually before birth, and raise the water temperature to 26–28°C.
After giving birth, females need 3 days of separate recovery time and should be fed high-protein food.
Elderly Stage Care
Reduce stocking density to 1 cm of fish per 1 liter of water.
Add 15% spirulina to their food.
Add EM bacteria (effective microorganisms) once a week to regulate their digestive system.
(Note: All data is based on statistics from artificial breeding conditions. Lifespan in the wild is generally 30–50% shorter.)