how to pick a healthy guppy

[dwarfgourami]

Right this is it- the tanks are cycled, we are off to the fish shop on Saturday to pick the first fish (am adding ammonia everyd ay to keep tanks going until then).

The kids are going to want guppies, and eventually guppy babies- so I am leaving space for this in the tank and will be buying 2 females+1 male.

I just wanted to pick your brains about how to select healthy guppies, having read a lot about inbreeding and the resulting weakness of the species. What should I be looking for? Size, general appearance, less fancy colours - or anything else you can think of that might give us a better chance? Are larger ones likely to be sturdier? Or smaller ones likely to be younger and have a longer lifespan left?

Thanks in advance, I know there are real experts on this forum.

 

[Annastasia]

Less fancy colors generally mean they aren't as inbred, but it's hard to tell. I'm not sure if larger or smaller has anything to do with it...I've bought Guppies large and small, and never had a problem with either. Smaller usually means they are younger, but there are also some guppies that are just plain smaller, and stay smaller.

Maybe someone will come along that can answer that question better then me!


Then, just look like you would any other fish...I look at them like this..and I'll add what to look for.

Body: Any healthy live-bearer's abdomen should look convex, when viewed in a profile. The female usually looks more convex then the male..these fish have a "chubby" look to them. This should also appear in females that have just given birth, even though they may look very slender. All other fish should appear well-fed.
Be careful of fish with protuding scales, and bloated bellies!
A large head, that looks disproportionate to it's body, is usually a sign the fish has undergone long hunger periods. This doesn't mean the fish will die, but it is usually not a good idea to get it...
Gills: Healthy fish breathe slowly, although they breathe somewhat faster in a densely populated tank. As the fish breathe, they expose the gill cover. This should appear a pale reddish color, in healthy fish.
Fins: Missing or partially developed fins are ALWAYS a bad signal. Frayed edges on the fin, are usually the sign of a disease, although there may be other causes.
In a healthy fish, the fins should visably stick out from the body. The one exception is the dorsal fin in some species.
A fish that clamps it's fins, and maybe rocks from side to side is definatly not feeling well, and may easily get a disease.
Eyes: They eyes should appear clear, and never protrude un-natuarally from the head.
Skin: The skin should not show any white spots, mold, fungus, or white film. The scales should hug the body, and look smooth. Be sure to examine the tip of the mouth with extra care, to be sure there is no white film.


Hope this helps a little!

 

[dwarfgourami]

Thanks, yes it does!

 

[dwarfgourami]

I whimped out and ended up letting my 8-year-old choose. But they look very healthy following the criteria you gave me - thanks!

Funnily enough, I find the females much prettier than the male; they're aways said to be so drab but these are absolutely lovely. Between them and the platies they have pretty well cleared up my brown algae problem since they've been in the house- I didn't know they were algae eaters; perhaps I picked the wrong species

The male spends all his time trying to do what male guppies are supposed to do, but the girls aren't interested. No immediate hurry, as far as I'm concerned, but I reckon he feels differently about it- males were kept in a separate tank at the lfs so his needs are urgent.

 

[Annastasia]

Sounds great!

Females can be very pretty. I have one that's blue and red, and she is just gorgeous.


Sounds like the male is in heaven, too!