When to Release Guppy Fry Into the Tank

Guppies are a group of live bearing fish known for their hardiness and ease of care. Despite this, a guppy fry, or baby guppies, are too small to live in a normal tank system. This is because other fish will consume the babies, or the tiny fish will be sucked into the filter. Guppies that have been properly cared for, however, can be returned to the tank relatively quickly.

  1. Species Considerations

    • Multiple types of guppies exist, all of which grow in a variety of colors. Different species include the veiltail guppy, lacetail guppy, flagtail guppy and double swordtail guppy. Similarly, the long fin guppy, fantail guppy, red tail guppy and triangle tail guppy are also popular, as well as the rounded guppy, fancy guppy, glass guppy, mosaic guppy, king cobra guppy, snakeskin guppy and peacock guppy. Regardless of species, baby guppies should be released into the tank by taking the same precautions.

    Mother

    • The mother of the guppies should be released back into the community tank first. Guppies give birth to live babies, as opposed to laying eggs. The mother should be released into the community tank as soon as she is finished giving birth. Tank owners with a breeding net do not need to keep the guppy mother on the separated side of the net, as the guppies will naturally hide from the mother by passing through the net.

    Conditions

    • Guppy fry should be kept in normal tank conditions as they grow, and should be at the same temperature as the community tank if housed in a separate aquarium. Both of these things will prepare the fish for the conditions of the community tank. Ideal conditions for tanks with guppies include a ph of 7 or 8, and a temperature of 66 to 84 degrees.

    Size

    • After keeping the guppies in these conditions, they will be ready to be released into the community tank. Some experts recommend releasing the guppies when they are three-fourths of an inch long, while others recommend waiting until the guppy reaches a full inch in length. This can also vary based on the other fish in the tank, as some species are more aggressive than others, and can prey on slightly smaller guppies.