Guppy Galore

[Edward Cowling London UK]

I have a 5 foot tank that is just Guppys and Platys and a couple of
small catfish. The Guppys have just gone highly fertile and I noticed
when doing the water change today there are dozens of fry large enough
to survive.

No matter how often it happens, it still gives a thrill to see new life
in the tank.

[Marksfish]

No matter how often it happens, it still gives a thrill to see new life in
the tank.

I haven't kept guppies for years, but used to enjoy playing "spot the
survivor" when the female had given birth. It used to amaze me how many
could survive in a community tank and they used to pop out of the rockwork
everywhere. Unfortunately, the quality of guppies recently has been pretty
poor and I found it easier to keep discus!!

Mark
www.marksfish.me.uk

[Alan Ferris]

On Mon, 5 Jan 2009 11:11:14 -0000, "Marksfish"

Post by Marksfish

No matter how often it happens, it still gives a thrill to see new life in
the tank.

I haven't kept guppies for years, but used to enjoy playing "spot the
survivor" when the female had given birth. It used to amaze me how many
could survive in a community tank and they used to pop out of the rockwork
everywhere. Unfortunately, the quality of guppies recently has been pretty
poor and I found it easier to keep discus!!

Most in the shops have been over inbred.

--
Ferrit

()'.'.'()
( (T) )
( ) . ( )
(")_(")
"The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedom"
Supreme Court Justice William Orville Douglas

[MC]

Post by Alan Ferris
On Mon, 5 Jan 2009 11:11:14 -0000, "Marksfish"

Post by Marksfish

No matter how often it happens, it still gives a thrill to see new life in
the tank.

I haven't kept guppies for years, but used to enjoy playing "spot the
survivor" when the female had given birth. It used to amaze me how many
could survive in a community tank and they used to pop out of the rockwork
everywhere. Unfortunately, the quality of guppies recently has been pretty
poor and I found it easier to keep discus!!

Most in the shops have been over inbred.

...

I also beleive this is also. Only ten years ago Guppys, Platys, Mollies
etc... were a lot better than they are now. I have not kept these common
livebearers for years, not because a tankful of guppys does not look good
but because the quality of fish does not inspire me. In fact lets stretch
this observation out to all "bread and butter fish". A lot of experienced
fishkeepers tend towards species or other speciallity tanks these days, some
even sourcing livestock from the wild. These "bread and butter" fish now
only tend to be sold to the newbies. If I were to keep guppys again I would
probably have a tendancy to source my own wild fish and start breeding some
new blood into the species again.

MC

[John Smith]

Post by MC

... If I were to keep guppys again I would

probably have a tendancy to source my own wild fish and start breeding some
new blood into the species again.
MC

Guppies were one of my first fish, right behind goldfish. After going
full circle, arowanas, angels, puffers, discus, etc., then saltwater and
every "weird" fish I could find (and tiring of it!), I am back to guppies.

Kept buying and watching 'em die, have worms, etc. until I ended up with
a dozen males of various colors. Got a bunch of large female feeder
guppies, and began a plan of just getting some nice "fancy guppies",
like you used to be able to get. Kick in a new male or two now and then
(guard against heavy inbreeding.)

Now, finally, I am even getting females which show nice color and
tank-fulls of HEALTHY guppies!

Regards,
JS

[Edward Cowling London UK]

Post by John Smith
Now, finally, I am even getting females which show nice color and
tank-fulls of HEALTHY guppies!

My experience is much the same. I'm now pushing towards 60 and I've had
various tanks since I was about 17. I love the live bearers. You can put
a few in every year and get so many young that you have to give dozens
away :-) They lively and full of personality.

My new guppies are now recognisable as such and can play with the grown
ups without fear of being dinner. I noticed the Platy young are much
more nervous and almost creep about the bottom until they're quite big.

[John Smith]

Post by Edward Cowling London UK

...

My experience is much the same. I'm now pushing towards 60 and I've had
various tanks since I was about 17. I love the live bearers. You can put
a few in every year and get so many young that you have to give dozens
away :-) They lively and full of personality.
My new guppies are now recognisable as such and can play with the grown
ups without fear of being dinner. I noticed the Platy young are much
more nervous and almost creep about the bottom until they're quite big.

...

It sounds like your experience almost, or does, parallel my own; I am
56. Glad to meet another guppy fancier!

Regards,
JS