How to Breed Fantail Guppies

Fantail guppies are a type of fancy guppies. Fancy guppies are subspecies of the hardy, small, sometimes somewhat uninteresting fish commonly kept in aquariums. Fancy guppies are sought-after because their bright, striking coloration and patterns make them a beautiful addition to the aquarium. Long, flowing or full fins also add to the attraction. Fantail guppies have fins that are rounded, with a tail fin that resembles a fan. Fantail guppies breed in a similar method to other guppy types. They reproduce readily, and many different colors and patterns can be achieved when outstanding parent fish are selected.

Things You'll Need

  • Freshwater breeding aquarium
  • Thermometer
  • Water testing kit
  • Various fish foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater breeding aquarium. This aquarium can be small, about 5 gallons or less in size. This aquarium will be used only for breeding, and, later, for raising the young guppies, so no other fish should be housed in it. This aquarium can be quite plain; it doesn't need any substrate or decorations.

    • 2

      Install a thermometer in the breeding aquarium, and make sure the temperature of the water remains between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Fantail guppies can live in water that is slightly warmer or cooler than this range, but this middle range is best for breeding.

    • 3

      Use a water testing kit to measure the pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium. Fantail guppies, like other fancy guppy types, prefer a water pH level between 6.8 and 8.5. Try to stick to a pH level that is somewhere in the middle of this range. Use pH additives if you need to adjust the level.

    • 4

      Separate the male and female guppies. Male guppies have brighter colors and longer, fuller fins than the females do. Although guppies will breed in a community aquarium, most guppy breeders are looking for a particular color, pattern or tail shape when they breed. By separating the guppies, and ensuring your females aren't pregnant before you begin breeding, you can select both the male and female fish, more easily achieving the appearance you want.

    • 5

      Feed the guppies a nutritious diet. Use an omnivorous, high quality flak fish food. Supplement this with some occasional feedings of live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp. Continue this nutritious diet, and keep the male and female fantail guppies separated, for a week or two.

    • 6

      Place one male and one female guppy in the breeding aquarium. Guppies don't require much prompting to breed, so spawning should happen almost immediately. After, it can take anywhere between 20 and 40 days before the female births the young fish. Remove the male fantail guppy right after breeding, and then remove the female from the breeding aquarium after the birthing.