Signs Your Guppy Is About to Give Birth!

Guppies are among the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, and part of their charm is their ability to breed readily. If you’re a guppy keeper, chances are you’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby guppies—or fry—at some point. But how can you tell when your guppy is about to give birth? Recognizing the signs can help you prepare and ensure the safety of the mother and her fry.

1. Changes in Appearance

One of the most noticeable signs your guppy is about to give birth is a change in her physical appearance:

• Gravid Spot Darkens: Located near her anal fin, the gravid spot (a dark area where the fry develop) will become larger and darker as the birth approaches.
• Boxy Shape: As her belly grows, it often takes on a squarish or boxy appearance rather than a round shape. This is a strong indicator that she’s nearing the end of her pregnancy.
• Visible Fry: In some cases, you may even see the tiny eyes or shapes of the fry through her translucent belly.

2. Behavior Changes

A guppy’s behavior can provide clues about her readiness to give birth:

• Isolation: Pregnant guppies often seek solitude and may hide among plants or decorations to find a safe place to deliver.
• Restlessness: You might notice her swimming erratically or hovering near the bottom of the tank.
• Lethargy: Conversely, some guppies become less active and may appear to be resting more often.

3. Reduced Appetite

As the birthing time approaches, many guppies lose interest in food. This is natural and typically temporary, so don’t be alarmed if she skips a meal or two.

4. Frequent Gills Movement

Labor is hard work, even for guppies! An about-to-give-birth guppy might show rapid gill movement as she expends energy preparing to deliver her fry.

5. Prolonged Gestation

Guppies usually give birth about 28–30 days after mating. If you’ve been tracking her pregnancy, you might notice she’s nearing the end of this time frame.

Preparing for Birth

Once you recognize the signs, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fry:

• Provide Hiding Places: Add plants, caves, or breeding boxes to give the mother a secluded area to deliver her fry.
• Separate the Mother: If possible, move the pregnant guppy to a breeding tank or a breeder box within the main tank.
• Prepare for Fry Care: Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. Fry are tiny and often become snacks for adult fish, so plan to separate them from adult guppies after birth.

After Birth

After giving birth, the mother will typically regain her appetite and return to her usual behavior. Be sure to feed her nutrient-rich food to help her recover. Monitor the fry closely and provide them with appropriate food, such as crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or specialized fry food.

By keeping an eye out for these signs and taking the right precautions, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome the next generation of guppies into your aquarium. Happy fishkeeping!