Guppies Not Giving Birth

[NadeZ]

I've had guppies in my tank for about a month and all the females have looked ready to drop for the last few weeks. Will they ever give birth at room temperature? I can't raise the temperature as my axolotls don't like heat but I'm worried that the extended pregnancy might be stressful to the fish

 

[attibones]

I have two theories:

1. They are not ready to deliver. Are they squared off? They should look like this \__/ a few days before they drop fry.

2. They are holding their fry due to stress from your unfavorable stocking. Guppies are tropical fish, meaning they like water around 78F. Axolotls like to have chillers. Plus I think they like to eat fry (not positive). You need to keep your guppies in a separate tank. The females could be so stressed they are holding fry which can lead to problems. I suggest you consider rearranging some things.

Without seeing a picture, theory number two, to me, is the more likely candidate. It could be both, though.

 

[NadeZ]

I have two theories:

1. They are not ready to deliver. Are they squared off? They should look like this \__/ a few days before they drop fry.

2. They are holding their fry due to stress from your unfavorable stocking. Guppies are tropical fish, meaning they like water around 78F. Axolotls like to have chillers. Plus I think they like to eat fry (not positive). You need to keep your guppies in a separate tank. The females could be so stressed they are holding fry which can lead to problems. I suggest you consider rearranging some things.

Without seeing a picture, theory number two, to me, is the more likely candidate. It could be both, though.

 
Thank you! Yeah a few of them look rather square, I think option 2 is the most likely. The tank is an attempt to meet the needs of both species (though admittedly falls out of the optimal zone for either) at around room temperture (20'C). My spare tank is currently in use rearing a juvenile axolotl. Once he is big enough to add to the main tank, I'll move the guppies to that one and turn on the heater. Will this allow them to give birth, or will the extended pregnancy result in abortion?

 

[attibones]

At that low of a temperature, I wouldn't be surprised if your guppies died. I don't think that a successful pregnancy is in the future for your fish, but they may surprise you. I would consider moving them as soon as you can, even if that means whipping out an old storage bin (clean, of course) and adding a heater and filter.

 

[fish48]

At that low of a temperature, I wouldn't be surprised if your guppies died. I don't think that a successful pregnancy is in the future for your fish, but they may surprise you. I would consider moving them as soon as you can, even if that means whipping out an old storage bin (clean, of course) and adding a heater and filter.

Guppies do well at room temperature of 20c+,
 
pregnancy will not be stressful a female can take 8 weeks to drop fry , female and fry are not affected  by temp-  however the growth rate will be slower, often producing stronger and healthier fish.  Ideal temp-for Guppies 68f-74f. longer life span less prone to diseases. 

 

[fish48]

Guppy 15 months old, temp-72f

 

[NadeZ]

I had to go away for a fortnight, leaving the tank in the care of a friend. A few days after I got back, I noticed a couple of fry in the tank! No idea how long they've been there but judging by the size, I'd guess about a week. I can only assume that they are surviving on leftover food, algae, and small organisms in the tank. I've counted at least 3 so far, and tbh I'm thinking of just letting them develop as nature intended. The tank is heavily planted with loads of hiding places so I hope a couple can survive