Live Bearers

Livebearers are a popular group of tropical freshwater fish. They are generally easy to breed and inexpensive to buy. This makes them useful as a begginner fish for people new to fish keeping.

The group of fish is typified by their live birth process. The fry develop internally for 23-60 days before being born as free swimming fish. Unusually these fish can give birth several times from just one mating. Often female guppies purchased will already be pregnant and well on their way to giving birth. When the female is very close her gravid spot will become very dark. This is a small section behind the anal fin where the developing fry reside internally. The tiny eves of the livebearer fry will often be visible also.

Special attention should be given to the llvebearer's aquarium if your aim is to have them reproduce. New fry are can be eaten by other livebearers or fish so plant the aquarium densely with suitable aquatic species. This will give the baby livebearers a safe hiding spot where they can retreat to in times of peril.

Common fish from the group are the guppy, platy, swordtail, and different mollies. An assortment of these fish will be available from any pet shop or even from online aquarium fish shops.