How to tell male or female guppy gender? 

Distinguishing between male and female guppies is relatively straightforward once you know what to look for. Here's a detailed guide to help you identify the gender of your guppies:

Male Guppies

  1. Colouration:

    • Bright and Vibrant: Male guppies are known for their vibrant, colorful patterns. They often display a wide range of hues, including shades of blue, green, red, and yellow.
    • Elaborate Patterns: Their tails and fins are particularly ornate, with intricate patterns that make them stand out.

  2. Tail Shape:

    • Larger and More Colourful: Males typically have a larger, more decorative tail fin, which can be fan-like or sword-shaped.
    • Caudal Fin: The caudal fin (tail fin) is a key feature in identifying males, as it often features elaborate extensions and a vivid display of color.

  3. Gonopodium:

    • Specialised Fin: The most definitive characteristic of male guppies is the gonopodium, a specialized fin used for mating. This fin is thin, elongated, and adapted to transfer sperm.
    • Identification: It is located near the anal fin and is distinctively different from the fins of female guppies.

  4. Behaviour:

    • Active and Agile: Males are generally more active and exhibit energetic swimming patterns. Their behavior is often more dynamic compared to females.
    • Courtship Displays: Males engage in elaborate courtship rituals, showcasing their colorful fins and vibrant patterns to attract females. This behaviour can be quite entertaining and adds to the liveliness of the aquarium.

  5. Tail Ornamentation:

    • Extended Fins: Some males have tails with extended fins that resemble a fan or sword, making them even more eye-catching.

Female Guppies

  1. Colouration:

    • Subdued Appearance: Female guppies usually have a more muted, less vibrant coloration compared to males. Their colors tend to be more camouflaged, which can help them blend in with their environment.

  2. Body Size:

    • Larger and Rounder: Females are generally larger and rounder than males. This is especially noticeable when they are pregnant, as their bodies become more noticeably swollen.

  3. Anal Fin:

    • Triangular Shape: Unlike males, female guppies have a triangular-shaped anal fin. This fin is not elongated and has a more typical appearance compared to the specialized gonopodium in males.

  4. Pregnancy Spot:

    • Gravid Spot: In pregnant females, a dark spot near the anal fin, known as the gravid spot, becomes visible. This spot indicates that the female is carrying developing fry (baby guppies). The gravid spot may become more pronounced as the female gets closer to giving birth.

  5. Behaviour:

    • Social Harmony: Female guppies often play a significant role in maintaining social harmony within a community aquarium. They tend to be less aggressive and contribute to a more peaceful environment.

By observing these characteristics, you can easily differentiate between male and female guppies and gain a better understanding of their roles and behaviors within your aquarium.