Delta guppies are some of the most popular and beautiful aquarium fish. With their large, flowing fins and vibrant colors, it’s no wonder why delta guppies have captured the attention of aquarists worldwide.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to what delta guppies are: Delta guppies are a strain of fancy guppy that have been selectively bred to have larger than average tail fins that can resemble a delta shape.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about delta guppies including their origin and history, ideal tank conditions, diet and feeding, lifespan and behavior, breeding, suitable tank mates, common diseases, and where to buy quality delta guppies.
Origin and History of Delta Guppies
How Delta Guppies Were Developed
Delta guppies originated in the late 1980s when guppy enthusiasts began selectively breeding guppies for their distinct large, flowing delta tails. By crossbreeding different strains of guppies – including ribbon, round, and veil tail varieties – breeders were able to enhance the size and shape of the tail to create what is now known as the delta guppy.
The first establishment of the delta tail shape is credited to guppy authority Dr. Herb K. Rachow, who pioneered the development of the delta guppy strain in Singapore. Through meticulous selective breeding, Dr. Rachow expertly amplified the size and flair of the tail to achieve the desirable delta shape.
From these early origins, delta guppies rapidly grew in popularity among guppy breeders and aquarists. Progressive improvements to the delta shape and color patterns occurred throughout the 1990s and 2000s due to dedicated breeding programs.
Today, delta guppies are prized for their spectacular flowing tails and are considered one of the fancy guppy strains.
Key Differences From Wild Guppies
Delta guppies differ markedly from their wild ancestors in several respects:
- Extravagant delta-shaped caudal fins – Wild guppies have smaller, rounded caudal fins.
- Vibrant color patterns – Wild guppies tend to have more subdued coloration of grays, greens and browns as camouflage.
- Increased body size – Selective breeding has led to larger body size in delta guppies compared to wild guppies.
- Fragile fins – The large delicate tails of delta guppies are prone to fin nipping and damage.
- Accentuated sexual dimorphism – Male delta guppies exhibit more pronounced ornamentation and colors versus the plainer appearance of females.
While delta guppies share a common ancestry with wild guppies, they have undergone significant transformations from their wild counterparts. Their striking tails and colors are the result of dedicated human driven selective breeding over decades to attain the desirable deltaform aesthetic.
Delta Guppy Appearance
Size
Delta guppies are a small freshwater fish, typically growing to about 1.5-3 cm in length. The males tend to be slightly smaller than the females. Their small size makes them a popular choice for nano aquariums and desktop tanks.
Colors and Tail Types
One of the most distinguishing features of delta guppies is their large, showy caudal fins. The tails have a unique delta shape, with the upper and lower lobes extending out horizontally from the body.
Delta tails come in a vibrant array of colors and patterns such as red, yellow, blue, black, orange, and green. Many males exhibit exotic spots, snakeskin patterns, and multicolor designs on their bodies and fins. The variations seem endless, with new color morphs still being developed.
In addition to their signature delta tails, common tail types seen in delta strains include:
- Double swords: two sword-like extensions from the upper and lower caudal fins
- Top swords: a single sword-like extension from the top of the tail
- Bottom swords: a single sword-like extension from the bottom of the tail
- Spear tails: a pointed, spear-shaped caudal fin
The extensive variability in tail shapes and color patterns is a result of years of selective breeding by aquarists seeking to develop the most visually striking finnage.
Delta Guppy Care Guide
Tank Size and Conditions
Delta guppies thrive in heated tanks between 22-26°C with pH levels ranging from 7.0-8.0. Adequate tank size is critical – most experts recommend at least 10 gallons for a small group of 3-5 fish. This allows room to swim and proper dilution of waste materials.
Filtration and aeration are also vital to maintain water quality. The tank should be fully cycled before adding fish to avoid dangerous ammonia and nitrite spikes.
Tank Setup and Decorations
Delta guppies appreciate densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Floating plants like hornwort help diffuse light. Use smooth decor like rounded gravel and silk plants to avoid torn fins. Open swimming space is also important. Aim for proper balance between cozy spots and open water.
Dark substrate brings out delta colors and patterns. Pieces of driftwood, rock caves and aquarium safe resin ornaments add visual interest.
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 22-26°C |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Hardness | Moderately Hard |
Use a liquid test kit, not strips, to monitor ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Change 10-30% of tank water weekly depending on stocking levels. Use water conditioner like Seachem Prime during water changes. Gravel vacuuming keeps the substrate clean.
Diet and Feeding
Delta guppies are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Feed a quality tropical flake 2-3 times daily in smaller quantities they can consume within 2 minutes. Supplement with foods like:
- Live/frozen brine shrimp, daphnia or bloodworms
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach
- Spirulina pellets or flakes
- Hikari Micro Pellets
Avoid overfeeding as excess food fouls the water. Fasts 1-2 times weekly aid digestion.
Tank Mates
Good tank mates include:
- Smaller peaceful community fish like neon tetras
- Bottom dwelling catfish like corydoras
- Invertebrates like cherry shrimp and snails
Avoid aggressive fish like tiger barbs that may nip delicate fins. Some experts advise against housing male guppies together due to aggression and crossbreeding.
Lifespan
With excellent care, delta guppies live 2-3 years on average. Key factors influencing longevity are pristine water quality, varied diet and ideal tank conditions suited to the species.
Breeding Delta Guppies
Sexing Delta Guppies
Determining the sex of delta guppies can be tricky when they are young, but gets easier as they mature. Male delta guppies are typically smaller and more colorful than females. They also have a gonopodium, which is an anal fin that has evolved into an intromittent organ for internal fertilization of females.
Females do not have a gonopodium and will be larger in body size, especially when gravid (carrying fry).
Mating Behavior
Delta guppies exhibit fascinating mating behaviors. Males will perform elaborate courtship displays, flaring their colorful tails and fins to attract females. If interested, the female will allow the male to mate using his gonopodium to transfer sperm packets called spermatophores internally.
This mating ritual is very brief, lasting only seconds. Remarkably, female guppies can store sperm packets for up to 8 months and have multiple broods after just one mating encounter!
Gestation Period
The gestation period of delta guppies is about 21-30 days. However, it can vary a bit depending on water temperature, with warmer temperatures resulting in slightly faster gestation. Gravid females will exhibit a noticeably larger belly, darker gravid spot near the anal vent, and may hide more than usual as they prepare to give birth.
Caring for Fry
Caring for newborn delta guppy fry requires special consideration. They are tiny, about 3-4 mm long at birth. For the best chance of survival, feed them specially formulated powdered or liquid fry foods four times a day.
Also, house fry in a separate nursery tank without adult fish that may eat them for 3-4 months until they reach about an inch in size. Maintain optimal water conditions including a temperature of 78-82°F and frequent small water changes. With good care, many fry will survive to adulthood.
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Fin rot is one of the most common illnesses in delta guppies. It is caused by bacteria and shows up first as frayed or whitish edges on the fins. As it progresses, the fins corrode away until only stumps are left. Fin rot can spread rapidly and kill fish if left untreated.
It is usually a result of poor water quality, but can also be triggered by damage to the fins. Treatment involves improving water conditions, adding aquarium salt, and using antibiotics if necessary. Preventing fin rot starts with maintaining pristine water through frequent partial water changes and testing.
Ich
Ich, also called white spot disease, is another very common problem in delta guppies. It is caused by the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Ich first shows up as tiny white specks all over the fish’s body, resembling grains of salt. These specks are actually cysts filled with parasites.
As the infection progresses, fish scratch excessively on decor in a futile attempt to dislodge the parasites. Untreated ich can kill delta guppies within a week or two. Fortunately, ich is completely treatable if addressed promptly.
Treatment requires raising water temperature and using medications to kill off the cysts. Preventing ich comes down to quarantining new fish and avoiding stressors that weaken the immune system.
Velvet Disease
Velvet disease is caused by tiny, single-celled dinoflagellate parasites. It shows up as a faint, rusty or velvety layer on the skin. The parasites destroy the mucus coating on the fish’s skin, leaving it vulnerable to secondary infections.
Velvet can spread rapidly in the aquarium and kill within days. Effective treatment requires several tactics at once – raising temperature, adding aquarium salt, frequent water changes, and medications specifically formulated to kill off the velvet organisms.
Prevention centers on quarantine and reducing stress. Adding vitamins to the water may also help strengthen the slime coat as a first line of defense.
Where to Buy Delta Guppies
When looking to purchase delta guppies, one of the most beautiful and popular variations of these tropical fish, you have several reliable options to consider. Local fish stores, online fish retailers, and reputable aquarium breeders are great places to find healthy, vibrant delta guppies for sale.
Local Fish Stores
Visiting your nearby independently-owned fish stores is a great start when searching for delta guppies. These small businesses often have excellent relationships with regional breeders and frequently get first pick of rare and unusual fish, including delicate delta strains.
Speaking to knowledgeable staff at these stores can provide useful caretaking advice as well.
However, availability of delta guppies may vary. Be sure to call ahead to stores in your area to ask if they have any delta guppies in stock before making the trip. Having a flexible timeline for acquiring these fish is wise if going the local fish store route.
Online Retailers
Purchasing delta guppies online opens up more possibilities in terms of price, selection, and convenience. Websites like LiveAquaria.com, ThatFishPlace.com, and AquaBid.com offer delta guppies for competitive rates with overnight shipping right to your door.
Buying online does mean relying on photos and descriptions when selecting individual fish. Reputable sites have generous return policies if fish arrive in less than optimal condition. Read recent customer reviews to gauge which online fish retailers take exceptional care of their livestock during transport.
Breeders
Getting delta guppies directly from specialized breeders, often via forums and Facebook groups, represents another solid option. Breeders focus intensely on producing fish with stunning finnage and vibrant, accurate coloration.
Their understanding of genetics allows them to achieve show-quality strains.
Expect to pay premium prices when purchasing directly from breeders. However, many enthusiasts believe this higher initial investment pays off since breeder-raised fish tend to better adjust to tank life, live longer, and display more resilience to common diseases.
No matter which source you choose for obtaining delta guppies, be sure to acclimate new fish slowly to avoid shock and look for active fish showing full finnage and no signs of illness. Select reputable sellers with proven experience shipping tropical fish.
This helps ensure your prized delta guppies arrive safely and ready to dazzle in their new home.
Conclusion
With proper care and an ideal tank setup, delta guppies can make a beautiful and rewarding addition to your freshwater aquarium. Their flowing fins, vibrant colors, active behavior provide endless enjoyment for aquarists.
We’ve covered everything from their breeding to tank mates in this guide to help you succeed in keeping healthy delta guppies. Be sure to buy your delta guppies from a reputable source and keep their water clean to have these stunning fish thrive.
