Guppies

[andrew399]

Does any one know of any man made ponds/lakes that have heaps of guppies in them? I just want to scoop up a few for my pond... Thanks

[chrisb]

Does any one know of any man made ponds/lakes that have heaps of guppies in them? I just want to scoop up a few for my pond... Thanks

The water storage dams in Wakehurst Golf Coarse have heaps of guppies (mosquito fish) in them, or even the creeks running into Manly Dam.

[Chris 55]

Dicko

unless the pondage is heated or doesn't chill you will only find Gambusia

that look similar these are noxious in waters outside Sydney greater metro

refer this page

NSW DPI Noxiuos but OK in Greater Sydney metro area, they look similar

most golf courses and park ponds will contain Gambusia a bit of bread will

bring them out

if you want Guppies you would be better to get a couple of gravid females

from LFS and put in the pond, all you need is some weed and the females

should release fry (livebearers) that should multiple over the next few months

before it starts to get too cold

If you want something long term other than Goldfish or Gambusia buy some

Mountain Clouds or look at local natives like Empire Gudgeons

Chris

[andrew399]

Yeah im just after something that breeds rapidly and also free! If i have to go to an aquarium shop i will but will keep it as a last resort... Do those Gambusia breed well? Also do they get the nice colours that guppies get?

Edited January 28, 2010 by dicko

[chrisb]

Yeah im just after something that breeds rapidly and also free! If i have to go to an aquarium shop i will but will keep it as a last resort... Do those Gambusia breed well? Also do they get the nice colours that guppies get?

Yes they do breed very well and are very hardy; that’s why they have become a pest fish; they simply out-compete the natives. They are pretty bland in colour and if you ever decide to get other fish later on and want them to breed the gambusia (mosquito fish) will probably eat any babies/eggs they have. You would be better of taking Chris 55 advice and get something else. They do keep your pond mosquito free however

[andrew399]

il probs end up using them as feeder fish for my barra anyways so not to bad. I take it then guppies will not survive in an unheated pond through winter?

[Juzza]

Guppies will be pretty much free considering how many babies they will make in return. You could probably talk to your LFS and get their 'bad quality stock'-(the blander ones). Im sure you know the difference between the males and females =].

You could always consider a tank in the garage with a small canister or hang-on filters if you're worried about them dieing in winter. its very low maintenance and a good investment for your barra. One more thing to think about is if you're going to frequently collect/buy fish you may introduce bugs which my kill your barra, its so easy to introduce new things into your tank.

Justin