Catching Guppy Fry: A Simple Guide (2024)

Guppies are live-bearing fish, and their young, known as fry, often face the danger of being eaten by their parents or other fish in the same tank. To prevent this, it is recommended to separate the pregnant guppy from other fish by using a breeder net or placing her in a separate tank until she gives birth. This allows the fry to be born in a safe environment. After birth, the mother guppy should be removed immediately, as it is natural for her to eat her babies.

If separation is not possible, providing hiding spots for the fry, such as live or artificial plants, can help protect them from hungry adult fish. However, this method may not guarantee the fry's safety, and some will likely still be eaten.

Fry can be fed a variety of foods, including baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia, bloodworms, and crushed flake foods. It is important to feed them small portions frequently throughout the day, as they have a quick digestion cycle and a voracious appetite.

To ensure the health and survival of guppy fry, it is crucial to maintain water quality through frequent water changes and proper filtration. A heater should also be used to keep the water temperature between 76-80°F (24-27°C). Additionally, lighting is important, with 8-12 hours of light per day recommended to prevent spinal deformities.

Use a breeding net or breeding hatchery cube

To catch baby guppy fry, one method is to use a breeding net or breeding hatchery cube. This involves assembling the net or cube and affixing it to the side of the tank. The female guppy is then placed inside the unit until she gives birth. It is important to remove the female from the unit after birth to prevent cannibalism.

Breeding nets and hatchery cubes are typically inexpensive and can be purchased at a local pet store or online. When using a breeding net, ensure it is not placed near the tank filter's pump, as the baby guppies may get sucked up. Additionally, cover the intake valve of the filter with a thin fishnet or sponge to prevent the fry from being pulled into the filter.

Once the fry are born, they can be fed baby brine shrimp, microworms, or daphnia until they are large enough to consume fish food flakes. At this point, they can be moved to the common aquarium tank.

Breeding nets and hatchery cubes provide a safe space for the female guppy to give birth and protect the fry from being consumed by larger fish. However, it is important to monitor the female during the birthing process, as some sources suggest that using a breeding net or box can stress the female, potentially leading to abortion or death. An alternative method is to provide dense clusters of plants in the aquarium, allowing the fry to hide among the leaves.

Create hiding spots with plants

Guppy fry are born mobile and immediately seek shelter within the aquarium. To protect them from being eaten by adult fish, it is important to create hiding spots with plants.

Java Moss is a popular choice for guppy fry as it is cheap, fast-growing, and provides the perfect home for them. It has the right-sized holes for guppy fry to hide in and also provides tasty food. It can attach itself to gravel, stones, driftwood, or anything it can grip onto and grow non-stop.

Hornwort is another good option as it grows quickly and has a spike needle-like foliage that makes it difficult for adult fish to reach the fry. You can either pot them in the substrate or let them float around in the aquarium tank.

Floating plants are also a good option to provide cover for the fry. You can float clusters of plants on the water surface to create alternative hiding places. Guppy grass, Najas Indica, and Watersprite are some examples of floating plants.

In addition to providing hiding spots, live plants offer several other benefits for guppies. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia, create a more natural-looking habitat, and enhance water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Maintain water temperature

Maintaining the right water temperature is crucial for the health and growth of guppy fry. Guppies are tropical fish that thrive in warm water, and while they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, keeping the water at an optimal range is essential for their well-being. Here are some tips to maintain the ideal water temperature for your baby guppies:

Optimal Temperature Range

The optimal water temperature for guppy fry is slightly higher than that of adult guppies. Aim for a temperature range between 78.8°F and 80.6°F (26°C to 27°C). This temperature range will promote the growth and health of your baby guppies.

Use a Water Heater

A water heater is essential to maintain stable water temperatures, especially if you live in a cold climate. Choose a heater that is suitable for the size of your aquarium. It is recommended to have a heater for any aquarium below 15 gallons to prevent rapid temperature fluctuations.

Thermometer

Invest in a good underwater thermometer to monitor the water temperature regularly. This will help you make any necessary adjustments and ensure the water stays within the optimal range.

Aquarium Size

Larger aquariums tend to have more stable water temperatures as they take longer to heat up or cool down. If possible, opt for a larger aquarium to create a safer environment for your guppy fry.

Location of the Aquarium

Place your aquarium away from direct sources of temperature change, such as drafts, vents, or direct sunlight. These can cause unwanted temperature fluctuations and stress your guppies.

Ambient Temperature

Ensure the room where you keep your aquarium is maintained at a lower ambient temperature than the setting on your water heater. This will help create a stable environment for your guppies.

Water Changes

When performing partial water changes, always adjust the temperature of the fresh water to match the temperature in the aquarium. Add the fresh water slowly to allow the guppies to adapt to any slight temperature differences.

Lighting

Maintain a regular light and dark schedule for your guppy fry. Provide a strong light source during the day to support their growth and prevent spinal deformities. At night, ensure a dark period of at least seven to eight hours for their resting period.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to maintain the ideal water temperature for your guppy fry, promoting their health, growth, and overall well-being. Remember that consistency is key, and sudden temperature changes can cause stress and illness in your baby guppies.

Install a filter

Guppies are freshwater fish that require clean water to thrive. Therefore, it is necessary to install a filter in your fish tank to keep the water clean and protect the baby guppies, also known as fry, from disease.

Guppy fry are very sensitive to bacterial and fungal infections, so clean water is even more important for their developing health than it is for adult guppies. A filter is the easiest way to keep the water clean and prevent cloudy water, overgrowth of bacteria and fungus, and excess algae growth.

When installing a filter, it is important to put a thin fishnet or sponge over the intake valve, where water is pulled into the filter. This will prevent the baby guppies from being sucked into the filter. You can use a rubber band and pantyhose or fishing line to fasten the net or sponge over the intake valve. Alternatively, you can use a sponge filter, which is inexpensive and easy to install and clean. It is also unlikely to suck in small fish like guppy fry.

If you do not want to install a filter, you can keep the water clean by performing a 50% water change weekly or when needed, adding lots of live aquatic plants, using a special substrate, and performing regular maintenance.

Clean the tank regularly

It is important to keep the tank clean to prevent illness in your guppy fry. Baby guppies have a weak immune system, so they are susceptible to disease. Clean the tank once a week by scooping the baby guppies out with a cup or fish net, pouring out the old water, and wiping any algae or grime from the sides of the tank. Refill the tank with fresh, clean water that has been treated for chlorine and wait until the tank thermometer reaches the optimal temperature for your guppies before returning them to the tank. If you can't clean the tank every week, replace at least a quarter of the water each week with fresh, clean water.

To keep the water clean between cleanings, install a filter in your fish tank. Follow the directions on your filter model to place it in the tank. Make sure to put a thin fishnet or sponge over the intake valve in your filter, where water is pulled into the filter, to prevent the baby guppies from being pulled into the filter.

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