Having had a fair Measure of success in the past as a breeder and exhibitor of guppies, I have often been approached to write on my experiences of the trials and errors of guppy breeding . Once I had decided to accede to the numerous requests, I had to think what: my errors had been. I have, however ,come to the conclusion that, if I made known one quarter of my errors, I would be a sadly embarrassed laughing stock of the fancy .Equipment :-

For successful breeding I think you require seven aquaria, three of them 2' x l' x l' and four 12" x 9" x 9" for grading purposes. The sizes of these aquaria can be varied, either larger or smaller according to what; is available and the extent of the finances you have to start with . The sizes I have quoted are what I consider the minimum requirements to ensure success.Temperatures: -

For breeding I find temperatures of 75oF + or -5 best range, which should constantly be Maintained .Don t be alarmed if the range variation is more than lO, Sometimes, due to various types of accidents, we find the temperature has exceeded the safety mark of 95oF with no apparent ill effects resulting, likewise, we might find the temperature plunging below the safety line of 60oF with no apparent ill effects: but in my opinion these excesses of temperature are responsible for later troubles for which we can often find no cause,Establishing the aquaria:-

One of the larger aquaria should be thick with Plants such as Myriophyllum and Elodeat with plenty of top ferns, such as Salvinia or Duckweed, the object being to give the young fry every chance of surviving, The other two aquaria should be well planted with a clear space in front for observation purposes. The 4 smaller grading aquaria need not be planted at all because we will often be moving our fish through them, but if aeration can be supplied to them, so much the better.Obtaining initial stock

Now we come to one of the most important jobs. It is here that most novices come unstuck, it's very easy to start off with fish that are unsuitable for breeding exhibition stock and once we've started breeding, it is by no means easy to clear out all resulting fish and begin again with fresh stock. I recommend starting with only one type and find out the names and addresses of guppy breeders. When you have decided who to get your fish from arrange an appointment to see his stock. If he has what you want, tell him you are prepared to pay a good price for the right fish.If you are not confident in your ability to sort out the best for your requirements, place yourself in the breeder's hands.

I think it is best to start with two females (virgin and preferably six months old) and one male.Commencing to breed:-

When you arrive home with your fish, place your purchases in the breeding tank. This is a good time to begin a stock book with records of date of mating, results etc.

If the females were genuine virgins then there will not be a brood for at least a month. If daphina is available, great but if you feed dry food give it very sparingly but often, varying it as much as possible.

I still remember the time when I got my first batch of gold babies. I sat up till three in the morning with a small net, frightening the life out of the parent fish by chasing each baby she dropped and transferring it to another aquarium. These days I know better than to do that sort of thing. In a well planted large aquarium the majority of babies survive. I like to leave the babies with the parent fish for the first few days. Please don't use breeding traps,the parent fish usually gets scared with detrimental effects.Grading and sexing:-

Now we come to the point of the four grading tanks. which I number 1, 2, 3 and 4.These are for the different batches of fry which are born over the following months. When the oldest fry start to sex out, the two large planted aquaria will be used. We place all the males in one and the females in the other. We must now keep a sharp eye on the female aquarium for late sexing out males, it is usually these fish that turn into whoppers . In this way, and in this way only, can we be sure of having virgin stock for future breeding efforts. It's at this stage with three dozen males and females you'll be tempted to expand your breeding efforts DON'T, I repeat DON'T unless you can increase the number of aquaria.Establishing stock:-

It is far better to concentrate on improving your stock. When selecting a male for your next breeding efforts, look carefully through those you have bred and if none are up to the standard of your original purchase, use the same male again with the best virgin female in your stock. Eventually you will breed a high class stock of fish to be proud of. I would most strongly recommend that you set a standard which all your fish must attain.

Don't overcrowd your stock tanks when you have bred a few batches of guppies, if you do then rest assured Mother Nature will come along and introduce some weird and wonderful disease to thin them out for you. The successful breeder is the one who keeps a very few of the very best.