Guppies are ovoviviparous, which means that they give birth to live young, but the eggs develop and hatch inside the female’s body. This is different from viviparous animals, which give birth to fully formed young without the need for eggs to hatch.
Female guppies have a specialized structure called a “gonopodium” that they use to transfer sperm from males during mating. After fertilization, the eggs develop inside the female’s body for several weeks, until they are ready to hatch. When the time comes, the female gives birth to live young that are fully formed and able to swim on their own.
One advantage of ovoviviparity is that it allows the mother to protect her developing offspring from predators and other environmental hazards. By keeping the eggs inside her body, she can regulate their temperature and provide them with nutrients and oxygen. This increases the chances of survival for the offspring, especially in environments where there are many predators or other threats.
Overall, guppies are fascinating creatures that exhibit a range of interesting behaviors and reproductive strategies. Their ovoviviparity is just one example of the many ways that animals have adapted to their environments and evolved to ensure the survival of their species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guppies
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