I would like to share unusual episode of delivery by one of the “first timer” new guppy’s mother…

Definitely was different then previously my entire IFGA population of females. In general all my babies after a moment of birth by the certain instinct reaching very fast the top of the aquarium searching for hidden places to begin typical living activities.

But in this case the circumstances were unusual.

After the birth, entire offspring stay on the bottom of the aquarium in sluggish stage for at least 24 hours…

After 24 - 36 hours they returned to the normal activities. The swim bladder, which is located in the dorsal portion of the body cavity, was slowly “activated” with gases. When gas is added for the first time to the swim bladder by dispersion through the blood vessels in the bladder walls, the fish reinstate biological equilibrium and begin to swim.

Mother was in good health after giving a premature birth. Certain anxieties push her to terminate pregnancy to prevent serious consequences…

Another phenomenon of nature…

If you experienced similar event with your fish please tell the story.

Half - blacks

Half black guppies with the half-black pattern are very common on IFGA benches.

Perhaps interesting detail to know that half-black alleles being in charge for clear half black pattern are sex-linked and have been found on X- or Y- chromosomes, as well willingly crosses over…

The half-black alleles commonly as rules are described as a dominant.                  

On some occasions I was thinking using full black Moscow to out cross half blacks in order to obtain non - Moscow full blacks. And... I got some beautiful males, but couldn’t keep population for longer then one generation.  Blending two black genes affected drastically offspring’s ability to live to tell the story…

Moscow black Y-linked head trait creates a population of mutant black color cells. That’s why when you look at males head you can see a full black pattern. These are “new” black color cells in addition to the normal black color cells…

Great Stuff Gene, just WAY over my head. 

RJ,

I always admired marine aquarists for their knowledge and ability to choose appropriate inhabitants in their tanks and for patience in maintaining that complex biotope…

Several years ago after my attractive 20 gal marine tank failed, I decided to go to guppies for the reason that they are not so complicated and much easier to maintain…

Gene, what would your ideal guppy disply tank look like, and color of guppy?

Rich,

Perhaps these two photos will help you decide on  image of the tank and color of the guppies...photo of the natural aquarium (below )by Tanaka

  Previously posted ideal image of the guppy aquarium…

Gene, are the plants you choose Water sprite and Wisteria or both? Plus, all the guppies I have never seen for sale. I guess I will have to go to an auction? One more questions, is all this in 10 gallon tank? Thank ou Rich

Yes, you have to go to auction to get relatively good guppies. 10 gal. aquarium reflect standard for breeding. You can increase a size but remember, the rules are 1 inch of fish per gal of water. Beginning of summer in Detroit is going to be a show, where you can buy good guppies and not very expensive. In term of plants, Wisteria and Water sprite are fine if combine with a proper lights...  

such a good wealth of information here!

I have another photo for guppies’ enthusiasts and still strongly believe that some fans, especially those who are not responding to my thread appreciate the opportunity to build knowledge related to these small fish… 

I’m presenting a photo of blond coral male. This beautiful guppy is carrying Schimmelpfennig Platinum gene.                                                                                                                                                                    

Remarkable and intriguing fact linked to the impact of blond gene on proliferation of yellow color cells and lack of expression of these color cells in caudal fin.

I used this male as a breeder and crossed to blond female with a very appealing background…

Actually this might be a good demonstration that both red and yellow color cells proliferate in the absence of black color cells