Live Bearing Aquarium Fish: A Guide to These Fascinating Breeders

Introduction

Live bearing aquarium fish, as the name suggests, give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This unique reproductive strategy has made them popular among aquarium enthusiasts, especially those who want to experience the joy of witnessing fish birth. But what exactly are live bearing fish? What types are available? And how do you care for them? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of live bearing aquarium fish, providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about choosing and keeping these fascinating creatures.

Section 1: Understanding Live Bearing Fish

Live bearing fish belong to the suborder Cyprinodontoidei and are distinguished by their ability to fertilize eggs internally and carry the developing embryos within their bodies. The eggs hatch inside the mother fish, and the fully formed fry (baby fish) are born live. This reproductive method provides several advantages, including protection for the developing embryos and a higher survival rate for the young.

Section 2: Types of Live Bearing Aquarium Fish

There are several different types of live bearing aquarium fish, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the most popular species include:

• Guppies: Guppies are one of the most well-known live bearing fish, prized for their vibrant colors and flowing tails. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
• Mollies: Mollies are another popular choice, known for their large size and distinctive dorsal fin. They are hardy fish that can handle brackish water conditions, making them suitable for aquariums with slightly salty water.
• Platies: Platies are a peaceful and colorful species that are great for community tanks. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, adding a splash of vibrancy to any aquarium.
• Swordtails: Swordtails are named for the elongated lower lobe of their caudal fin, which resembles a sword. They are active swimmers and require plenty of space to move around.

Section 3: Benefits of Live Bearing Fish

There are several benefits to keeping live bearing fish in your aquarium:

• Breeding: Live bearing fish are prolific breeders, which means you can easily expand your collection by allowing them to reproduce.
• Hardiness: Many live bearing fish are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them suitable for beginners.
• Color and variety: Live bearing fish come in a wide range of colors and patterns, adding a touch of vibrancy to any aquarium.

Section 4: Care Requirements for Live Bearing Fish

While live bearing fish are generally easy to care for, they do have specific requirements that must be met to ensure their health and well-being.

• Tank size: Live bearing fish require a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. Larger tanks are better, especially if you plan to keep several fish together.
• Water parameters: Live bearing fish prefer water that is between 72-82°F (22-28°C), with a pH of 7.0-8.0. The water should also be well-oxygenated and free of harmful toxins.
• Diet: Live bearing fish are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, and live food. Feed your fish several small meals throughout the day to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

Section 5: Breeding Live Bearing Fish

Breeding live bearing fish is relatively easy, but there are a few things you need to do to ensure success.

1. Choose a breeding pair: Select a healthy male and female fish that are of the same species.
2. Provide a breeding tank: Set up a separate tank for the breeding pair, filled with fresh, clean water. Add some plants or other hiding places to provide shelter for the fry.
3. Introduce the pair: Place the male and female fish in the breeding tank. The male will typically chase the female until she is ready to mate.
4. Wait for the fry: The female will give birth to live fry within a few weeks. The fry are tiny and will need to be fed small foods, such as brine shrimp or baby food.

Section 6: Common Problems with Live Bearing Fish

Like all fish, live bearing fish can experience various health problems. Some of the most common include:

• Ich: Ich is a parasitic infection that causes white spots on the body of the fish. It is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated.
• Fin rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins of the fish. It can cause the fins to become tattered and frayed, and it can lead to death if not treated.
• Dropsy: Dropsy is a bacterial infection that causes the fish's body to swell up. It is often fatal and can be difficult to treat.

Section 7: Tips for Keeping Healthy Live Bearing Fish

To keep your live bearing fish healthy and happy, follow these tips:

• Maintain good water quality: Regularly test your water and make sure it is within the optimal parameters for your fish.
• Feed your fish a healthy diet: Feed your fish a variety of high-quality foods to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
• Quarantine new fish: Before adding new fish to your tank, quarantine them for at least two weeks to ensure they are free of disease.
• Monitor your fish closely: Observe your fish regularly and watch for any signs of illness. If you notice any problems, take action immediately to treat the fish.

Section 8: Interesting Stories about Live Bearing Fish

• The guppy that gave birth to 2,000 fry: In 1998, a guppy named Martha gave birth to a litter of 2,000 fry. This was a record-breaking number and made Martha a legend among guppy breeders.
• The molly that ate its own fry: Mollies are known for being cannibalistic, and they will sometimes eat their own fry. One molly owner witnessed his molly eating over 100 of its fry in a single day.
• The platy that lived for 10 years: Platies are relatively short-lived fish, but there have been some cases of platies living for over 10 years. One platy owner attributed his fish's long life to a diet of high-quality food and regular water changes.

Section 9: What We Can Learn from Live Bearing Fish

Live bearing fish can teach us a lot about the wonders of nature.

• The importance of parental care: Live bearing fish provide parental care for their fry, protecting them from predators and teaching them how to survive. This shows us the importance of parental care in the animal kingdom.
• The beauty of diversity: Live bearing fish come in a