Guppy Breeding/Genetics

[Jumko]

Does anybody know the genetics behind the color of a female guppy's body? Generally you see them with grey bodies and maybe some color on their tails. I have two females, however, that have a yellowish body color and red tails. I would love to know more about the genetics behind this and how I could replicate it in their offspring.

 

[vwill279]

Good topic!

Your females look a lot like my female guppy, though her tail is more towards the orange side. I would also love to know since she is currently about 2 days from her expected due date for her first drop.

 

[KillerVirusB]

I was wondering about this as well.

 

[dbosman]

It's the wild type that are background colored. Show types are bred for color and that comes through in the females as well as the males.
While there are hundreds of online sites listing guppy genetics, the best sources will be the breeders and show organizations. Their information will be accurate and not based on one ten gallon tank someone setup last year.

Start here: http://www.ifga.org/guppy_beginners.htm

http://www.ifga.org/
http://livebearers.org/
http://www.britishlivebearerassociation.co.uk/

 

[vwill279]

Some info on wild guppy evolution that I thought was interesting!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123190404.htm

 

[Jumko]

Thanks for the links, I'll look them over when I get a chance. My initial thoughts from quickly viewing the guppy evolution link, though, is how much those wild guppies look like endlers.

 

[dbosman]

All the wild type guppies look similar - until you start breeding and keeping pure lines. Then the differences will start seem amazing.