Breeding Livebearers

[tropicalfish16]

Hey guys! I wanted to buy a pregnant fish from the pet store, so I can start a fish "family". I wanted to know what your suggestions were about which type of fish to get? Of course, I want a livebearer because I'm in this section.
In the past I've always had bad luck with mollies and platies I've done well with. I'm willing to get any type of fish though based on your suggestions.

Also, I was wondering what your recommendations were for what to do with the fry once they're born. I can't keep them in my community tank because the other fish eat them. I could either put them in a breeding chamber in the community tank, or a 1 gallon tank that I have. Which do you think would be better for them?


Thanks!!

 

[Aqua Marine]

You may find it difficult to buy a pregnant fish from a pet store as generally they tend to separate the males and females to prevent this. In the case of a pregnant fish being found in the store the store keepers will usually segregate that fish so that they can raise the babies before selling them separately for a higher profit!

 

[hillbilly]

I would say it's almost impossible to get a guppy from a pet store that is not pregnant.

As the fish will almost certainly have been impregnated by a different colour strain then the babies will be very varied and so that would be my choice for your "mother" fish.

Unfortunately neither of your options for raising the babies will be ideal. The breeding chamber will be too small, as will the 1 gallon (is it rally a tank, I would have called it a jar! ) as they will need regular feedings and the small tank will get polluted very quickly.

If you can plant the community tank well them some of the babies should be able to survive to adulthood.

Where are you situated? I'm sure there may be someone close by who would donate a female livebearer to you, I've got guppies, mollies and swordtails aplenty!!

 

[Lyra0727]

I agree with hillbilly. I've bought 4 female guppies and each one of them were pregnant. I didnt know until a week later though but it was fine anyway since I am breeding them. But just have a lot of floating plants at the top in your community tank since when they are newborn they like to stay at the top. But have it well planted because eventually as they get a little older they will move around in the tank more until they are old enough to join the adults. If they have lots of places to hide most of themshould survive.

Good luck!

 

[tropicalfish16]

Thanks everyone!!
In the pet store that I go to, only guppies are separated by male/female. It's still possible to get a pregnant one though. I'll probably get a guppy....thanks!


I know that my conditions aren't the best, but it's only temporary.
Plus, I know someone that's raised multiple sets of fry in a 1 gallon tank and/or breeding chamber and they turned out fine.

One more question....
Let's say I didn't buy a pregnant fish from the store and wanted to breed them myself. What conditions would I need to make the process happen as soon as possible?

Thanks again!!!

 

[Lyra0727]

Have at least 2-3 female guppies per male. Have lots of places for the females to hide basically. Most people will tell you to have your temperature at around 70-72 because it makes them healthier and stronger but you can keep it at 74-76 if your impaticent or just think that your guppies arent happier in the lower water. Also higher temperatures makes the males more active which involves the females getting pregnant fast. That's one thing you have to decide for your self Good luck!

 

[tropicalfish16]

Have at least 2-3 female guppies per male. Have lots of places for the females to hide basically. Most people will tell you to have your temperature at around 70-72 because it makes them healthier and stronger but you can keep it at 74-76 if your impaticent or just think that your guppies arent happier in the lower water. Also higher temperatures makes the males more active which involves the females getting pregnant fast. That's one thing you have to decide for your self Good luck!

Thanks!!!

 

[Lyra0727]

Have at least 2-3 female guppies per male. Have lots of places for the females to hide basically. Most people will tell you to have your temperature at around 70-72 because it makes them healthier and stronger but you can keep it at 74-76 if your impaticent or just think that your guppies arent happier in the lower water. Also higher temperatures makes the males more active which involves the females getting pregnant fast. That's one thing you have to decide for your self Good luck!

Thanks!!!

Anytime It's my first time too I basically told you everything other members on here have told me the past few days. Thanks to all members that have helped!

 

[OldMan47]

The best situation for a drop of guppy fry would be their own tank of at least 5 gallons, 18 litres, capacity. That would provide enough space to rear a full guppy drop to a salable size. I sell off my surplus every few months at fish auctions so that I do not run out of space in my 26 tanks. My own perspective is to sell off the adult fish and keep the juveniles. That way my breeders are always young and healthy and people can see what they will be getting. If I try to sell off juveniles, the people must guess what they will look like as adults and my own fish population will tend to become quite mature. Selling the adults is best for me and my customers.