Guppy

Poecilia reticulata is a freshwater fish from the northeastern part of South America and spread widely to various countries in Asia and other continents. However, research about P. reticulate is limited even though it is a well-known fish species in Indonesia. The purpose of study was to identify the fish species of P. reticulata through DNA barcoding using the COI gene to determine the phylogenetic relationships among fish populations in East Java, Indonesia. In a present study, there were eight samples of P. reticulata from four different freshwater locations in East Java. Extraction, amplification, and sequencing of DNA samples were conducted to obtain the genetic data and construct a phylogenetic tree based on DNA sequences. The COI gene is the most popular markers to study genetic populations and phylogeography among the animal kingdom. Our phylogenetic reconstruction showed a clear that there were two groups of P. reticulata. The first group was obtain through species from Eas...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The predatory potential of the larvivorous fishes can be affected by the presence of alternative preys. In the present study the predation pattern of the sewage dwelling Poecilia reticulata (Peters 1872) on the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) was evaluated in the presence of alternative preys. METHODS The predation of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae by different size groups of R. reticulata fishes was evaluated. In addition to this, the niche breadth (N) and diet breadth (B) were measured following Manly's selectivity index (Si) as an indicator of variation of such predation pattern in the presence of alternative prey types, like chironomid larvae and tubificid worms. RESULTS The consumption of IV instar Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae by individual P. reticulata ranged between 65 and 84 in a 3 h feeding period and varied with the size of fish (F2,33 = 34.91; p < 0.001). The selectivity coefficient revealed a significantly low pr...

Although fish have been kept for more than three centuries as ornamentals, and the development of manufactured feed since 50 years ago has contributed to the tremendous growth of this hobby, nutrition of ornamental fish is based on extrapolation of results derived from food fishes under intensive farming conditions. Some research on nutrient (protein, minerals) requirements of growing freshwater ornamental species (live-bearers) in a production environment has been conducted, mainly in Singapore, with emphasis on the provision of live feed during the early stages of the life cycle. Protein requirements varied from around 30% dietary protein for growing omnivorous goldfish (Carassius auratus) to 50% for the carnivorous discus (Symphysodon aequifasciata). Whereas mineral (phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc) requirements have received some attention in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), few researches have concentrated on vitamin requirements of ornamental species. Requirements for fatty acids have been conducted mainly on marine ornamentals (damselfish, seahorses), and accentuated the need for dietary supplementation of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. Fish kept in public and home aquaria presents the problem of diversity of species in the same enclosure, each with its own specific requirements and needs. Maintenance energy levels of ornamental fish varied from 0.068 kJ per day for small neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) to 0.51 kJ per day for moonlight gouramis (Trichogaster microlepsis) kept at a water temperature of 26 °C. Research on nutrient requirements of ornamental fish urges for suitable measurements other than only growth rate in order to determine optimal dietary inclusion levels.Les exigences alimentaires des poissons d'ornementation. Les exigences alimentaires des poissons d'ornementation. L'élevage de poissons ornementaux effectué pendant plus de trois siècles et le développement de la manufacture d'aliment depuis 50 ans ont contribué à l'essor de ce loisir, mais la nutrition des poissons ornementaux se fonde sur une extrapolation de données dérivées de poissons de consommation et en conditions de culture intensive. Quelques études ont été faites sur les besoins alimentaires (en protéines, en éléments minéraux) d'espèces ornementales d'eau douce (des poissons vivipares) dans le cadre de production, à Singapour en particulier, et sur la nécessité d'aliment vivant dans les premiers stades de leur cycle de vie. Les besoins protéiniques varient de 30 % de protéine brute pour le poisson rouge omnivore (Carassius auratus), jusqu'à 50 % pour le discus carnivore (Symphysodon aequifasciata). Les besoins en minéraux (phosphore, fer, magnésium et zinc) ont été étudiés pour le guppy (Poecilia reticulata), mais peu d'investigations ont été faites pour connaître les besoins vitaminiques des espèces ornementales. Les besoins en acides gras ont été étudiés chez les poissons ornementaux marins (demoiselles, hippocampes) et se limitent à la supplémentation diététique en acides gras très insaturés n-3. Que les poissons soient présentés en aquariums publics ou cultivés en aquariums personnels, un problème de diversité d'espèces se pose dans un même bassin ; chaque espèce ayant ses exigences spécifiques. Leur besoin énergétique d'entretien varie de 0,07 kJ/jour pour les petits néons-tétras (Paracheirodon innesi) jusqu'à 0,51 kJ/jour pour les gouramis serpents (Trichogaster microlepsis), élevés dans une eau à 26 °C. Dans la recherche sur les besoins alimentaires des poissons ornementaux, il faut utiliser des paramètres adéquats, autres que le taux de croissance pour obtenir les taux optimaux des nutriments.

Genetic linkage maps of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) were constructed from independent crosses between the Tuxedo strain and a feral line (Wildtype). Segregation patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and phenotypic markers were investigated in F2 offspring of Tuxedo ♂♂ × Wildtype ♀♀ and Wildtype ♂♂ × Tuxedo ♀♀ crosses. Among the 300 and 276 RAPD markers scored for the respective crosses, linkages were identified for 230 and 212, respectively. The Tuxedo ♂♂ × Wildtype ♀♀ and Wildtype ♂♂ × Tuxedo ♀♀ maps spanned 2100 Kosambi centiMorgans (cMK) and 1900 cMK, respectively, in 28 linkage groups. Average marker resolution was 10 cMK. Genome length was estimated at 4410 cMK and 4060 cMK for the respective crosses, with an average physical distance of 166 kbp/cMK. Several RAPD markers were closely linked to or mapped onto the loci for the sex-determining region (SdR), and the sex-linked black caudal-peduncle (Bcp) and red tail (Rdt) genes. These primary linkage maps are the initial step toward the construction of a composite high-density map to facilitate map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection of quantitative trait loci that are essential for the development of comprehensive breeding programs for the guppy.

PREFACE
Too successfully breed a strain of guppies’ long-term one must first set attainable goals.  After aesthetic value, manipulating a small snapshot of genetics, consisting of fixed strains, has always been my primary interest in breeding guppies.  It is often accomplished by an intense quest into understanding Population Genetics in conjunction with a study of Color.  This article will attempt to expand on my last and focus on potential routes to achieve fishroom goals through two linebreeding techniques.

A comprehensive investigation in guppy color biology, pattern formation and a unique hypothesis about the biological basis for guppy polymorphism. Includes chapters reviewing relevant animal pattern research. Includes information about the author's experiments using classical forward genetics.

Animal breeding hobbyists have been useful to science because they identify and isolate color coat mutations that geneticists can in turn use in their studies of the development and differentiation of color cells. This paper discusses a very interesting color mutant, the Japanese Galaxy, tracing its creation from back to a self-educated genetics hobbyist, Hoskiki Tsutsui. The paper discusses a constituent gene previously studied by Dr. Violet Phang, the snakeskin gene (the linked body and fin genes Ssb and Sst). And it discusses a gene previously unknown to science, the Schimmelpfennig Platinum gene (Sc). Through crossing experiments, the author determines that the combination of these two genes produces an intermediate phenotype, the Medusa. Incorporating the Grass (Gr, another gene unknown to science) gene into the Medusa through a crossover produces the Galaxy phenotype. Microscope studies of the snakeskin pattern in Galaxies and snakeskins reveals some parallels with similar studies made of the Zebrafish Danio.

Abstract.  The source of genetic inputs in modern Domestic Guppy strains has long been a controversial topic in breeder circles.  Assumed by many to consist solely of Poecilia reticulata, and considered by others to have multiple inputs from closely related variant populations.  The attempt of this paper is to demonstrate that sum genotype, in particular for at least one identifiable trait known as Iridescens (Ir), stems from an amalgamation through interbreeding of native Guppy populations in divergent stages of incipient speciation; that are capable of interbreeding and surviving in either habitat, and are therefore non-cryptic.  Offspring should not be viewed as interspecific hybrids (between different species in the same genus), as they are capable of viable reproduction, lacking any high degree of decrease in reproductive viability.  Domestic strains, like wild counterparts in reproductive isolation are not speciated.  Results are based on 45 years breeding experience of which nearly thirty (30) years have been devoted to strains collectively known as “Swordtail Guppies”, efforts of other professional breeders, and that of the scientific community. 

Key Words: Swordtail Guppy, Domestic Strains, Vienna Emerald, Wild-type, Guppy Populations, Reflective Qualities, Smaragd-Iridescens, Iridescence, Poecilia reticulata, Poecilia obscura, Poecilia Wingei, Cumana’ Guppy, Campoma Guppy, Endler’s Livebearer.

The aquarium fish industry in Sri Lanka has become a valuable foreign exchange earner during the past few years, earning Rs. 530 million in 1998. Sri Lankan ornamental fish exports for the international market include locally wild caught marine, brackish-water and freshwater species as well as captive bred freshwater fish. Presently, there are about 18 registered aquarium fish exporters and

Introduction:
It seems most new strains come about from one of four scenarios:  1. Random hybridization. 2. Mutation.  3. Crossover.  4. Planned modification.  The latter should stem from a predetermined breed plan with well set goals working with a recognizable parental strain(s) and any additional genotype you wish to infuse.  In such instance one of the first questions that comes to mind is just how much modification is needed for distinction as a new strain from it's parent?  When is it a new strain and when it is just a variant of the parental phenotype?

PREFACE
The intent of this article is to point out how considerations beyond color, pattern and caudal shape play an important role in creating healthy & viable strains.  As such specific references to color study are not made.  They are better covered in publication of study geared to these criteria.

The guppy has the major classes of chromatophores found in teleosts: xantho-erythrophores, iridophores and melanophores. These color cells render the adult body essentially opaque. A transparent guppy was developed, the See-thru guppy, ombining alleles that genetically remove the major classes of guppy color cells: xantho-erythrophores, iridophores, melanophores and leucophores. The See-thru guppy may have interesting applications for scientists already using the guppy as a model organism. In our own research into the inheritance of color atterns in the guppy, the See-thru guppy may be useful for exploring the specificity of mutations to color cell types.

Introduction:
When a new strain of guppies or a variation upon one makes an appearance it can seem natural to credit its existence on newly discovered genetics.  Occasionally this is the case.  More often than not after careful test breeding and analysis the truth is revealed to be new combinations of already identified genes.

In some mating systems males should benefit from mating with virgin females because of their higher reproductive value. We determined experimentally whether and how males distinguish between virgin and recently mated females in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, a promiscuous livebearer. In a free-swimming experiment, males showed flexible mating behaviour by adjusting their tactics according to the mating status of the female they encountered, virgin or mated. Males followed, nipped and copulated with virgins more than with mated females, but they performed more sneaky copulations with mated females, possibly because the latter were more reluctant to mate than virgin females. When, in another set of experiments, males received only the visual cues of both virgins and mated females they showed no preference for either, but when they were exposed only to the female olfactory cues, they associated considerably more with the smell of virgin females. These results suggest that male guppies assess female behavioural and olfactory cues to determine female virginity and then use different mating tactics depending on the female's status. It is possible that the changes in male mating behaviour increase male reproductive success.

Keywords

alternative mating strategies;
female mating status;
female reproductive status;
guppy;
male mate choice;
Poecilia reticulata;
sexual selection

In the year 1937 A. E. Robson of High Gate, London, England introduced to United Kingdom (UK) members of the Guppy Breeder's Society (GBS) a new strain which would become known among Domestic Guppy breeders as the "Robson Guppy".  A strain produces a visible phenotype; a grouping of multiple traits.  The Robson strain incorporated two unique traits in females at the time.  First, the phenotypical structure of the dorsal resembled that of males from other early strains, still bred today, including the Speartail.  While the caudal structure resembled that of the Roundtail, also still bred today.  The primary noted difference  with Roundtail being a long tapering dorsal with extension well into the caudal round, as compared to early and modern Roundtail's which possess a much shorter and rectangular dorsal that does not extend into the caudal round.

Study on bioacoustic learns about sound production, dispersion through elastic media, and reception in animals, including humans, intensity of sound amplitude, sound fluctuation, and sound patterns of fish. Bioacoustic is a multi-discipline science that combine biology and acoustic science that usually refer to sound production research, sound dispersion through the elastic medium, and sound reception in animal including guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). In this research, salt level about 2 g/mol was added in the water/medium until the salinity was 30 ppm. The result indicated that the sound intensity of guppy fish on days 3 and 7 after the addition of salt reaches the highest value of-44 dB with interval time of 40-50 seconds. This research showed that guppy fish can survive in salinity 30 ppm with sound intensity-48 dB and the frequency of flapping fins or guppy fish stridulatory was 0-19.60 kHz. ABSTRAK Studi bioakustik mempelajari produksi suara, dispersi melalui media elastis, dan penerimaan pada hewan, termasuk manusia terkait intensitas amplitudo suara, fluktuasi suara, dan bentuk pola-pola suara ikan. Bioakustik adalah ilmu lintas-disiplin yang menggabungkan biologi dan akustik yang biasanya merujuk pada penelitian mengenai produksi suara, dispersi melalui media elastis, dan penerimaan suara pada hewan; termasuk pada ikan guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Dalam penelitian ini, kadar garam sebesar 2 g/L ditambahkan ke dalam air hingga salinitas mencapai 30 ppm. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa intensitas suara ikan guppy pada hari ke-3 dan ke-7 setelah penambahan garam mencapai nilai tertinggi, yaitu-44 dB dengan inteval waktu 40-50 detik. Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa ikan guppy mampu bertahan pada salinitas 30 ppm dengan nilai intensitas-48 dB dan frekuensi kepakan sirip atau stridulatory ikan guppy adalah 0 sampai 19.60 kHz.

In response to both of these theories, I state each as being only partially correct.  I propose: That Metal Gold (Mg), Stoerzbach (s), Snakeskin Body (Ssb) all in homozygous state, and a “missing trait” are required to produce the original metallic Micariff phenotype in full body expression.  That this missing trait is required in conjunction with Steorzbach a "full body" trait acting as a precursor to effect the "metallic gold Micariff phenotype" (hereafter metallic) in both body and finnage.  As a result two actual expressions are commonly produced when Stoerzbach is lacking or in heterozygous form;  metallic and non-metallic body (hereafter non-metallic).

This is one of those topics that generates very little documentation in the hobbyist world.  In the scientific community it is just the opposite and a number of comprehensive studies have resulted in excellent publications.  What is not so easily gauged and often overlooked is the effect of Hemiray Bifurcation in a Swordtail strain.  The weaknesses it creates and how you should base breeder selections.  As Swordtail Guppy breeders, we deal primarily with male finnage as clear &/or roundtail is the norm for females in all but a few strains.  From the start we are at a distinct disadvantage vs. broad tail breeders.  The simple reason being mother-nature goes against us at every chance.  Bifurcation alone creates an ever broadening of the caudal.  We start with naturally occurring tail extensions that are very small, thin & short.  These having evolved over countless generations with well defined characteristics into rigid gene complexes.  Then we attempt to force not only  lengthening, but thickening in the process.  In the end retain a distinct point while encompassing an increased number of colored hemirays at maturity.

Likely one of the least appreciated guppy phenotypes to be found is Homozygous Asian Blau (Ab).  Such fish  are normally considered weak by-products of popular delta breedings involving blue iridophores and red color pigment;  Blue Topaz, Blue Grass, Half Black (HB) Neon quickly come to mind as examples.  Each strain is created by the removal of red color pigment, frequently an X-link, from phenotype.  It is still contained in genotype, only masked via epistasis.