GUPPY: (below) LEBISTES RETICULATUS (Venezuela)
Color: Male—two males are never precisely alike. Every color of the rainbow is present, intermingled with irregular black spots and bars. Female—dull grayish green.
Breeding Habits: Live Bearers—mature females produce from 35 to 50 live young every 5 weeks. Presence of young is indicated by darkened area anterior to anal fin. “Heavy” females may be removed to separate vessel, heavily stocked with plants—particularly floating plants toward light. When young are born they seek safety among plants. Remove female to prevent her eating young. Young are ready to take fine food in a few hours. Guppy seem to thrive under fairly crowded conditions.
Temperature: Thrive and breed at 65° to 80° F.
Maturity: Males 2 to 3 months—Females 4 month. Males less hardy.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Males very active.
SWORDTAIL: XIPHOPHORUS HELLERI
(Mexico)
average size
Color: Male—body blue green, red line on side. Large dorsal with reddish dots. Ornamental sword may be yellow, orange or green, edged with black. Female—resembles male in color, lacks sword. (Both male and female CRESCENT SWORDTAIL have black crescent at base of caudal.)
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—have 25 to 100 live young every 6 or 7 weeks. When female is “heavy” place her in large vessel heavily stocked with plants. Young swim from mother, seeking safety among plants usually at bottom toward light. Remove female—she will eat fry.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F. Breed best at 75° F.
Maturity: Breed at about 9 months. Male resembles female until full grown; then anal changes to reproducing organ and “sword” develops.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Due to rivalry, stronger male will bully others.