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)
[Illustration: 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.