El guppy fish It is one of the most popular species in aquariums due to its beauty and ease of care. However, despite its hardiness, these fish are not exempt from enfermedades and can suffer from various conditions if they are not kept in optimal conditions. In this article we will explain how to prevent, detect and treat enfermedades most common in guppies to ensure their well-being.
How to detect that a guppy fish is sick?
Identify the symptoms of diseases in guppies on time is key to their recovery. Some warning signs include:
- loss of color: If your guppy appears paler than usual, it may be a sign of stress or illness.
- Erratic swimming:If the fish swims aimlessly, in circles, or in an uncoordinated manner, something is not right.
- Lack of appetite: A healthy guppy is an active fish that feeds normally. If it stops eating, you should pay attention.
- Retracted finsA fish that keeps its fins close to its body may be sick.
- Presence of white spots or dots: This may indicate parasitic infections such as White Point.
- SwellingAn abnormally swollen abdomen can be a symptom of internal problems.
Main diseases of guppy fish
There are various enfermedades that can affect guppies. Below we explain the most common ones, their symptoms and how to treat them.
White point (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
It is a disease parasitic caused by the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliisIt manifests itself through small white dots on the body and fins of the fish.
- Symptoms: White spots on the skin and gills, rubbing against aquarium objects, and difficulty breathing.
- Treatment: Increase water temperature to 28-30°C and apply antiparasitic drugs.
Fin rot
This disease bacterial progressively destroys the fish's fins.
- Symptoms: Frayed fins, whitish edges and lethargic behavior.
- Treatment: Use of antibacterials and improvement of water quality.
Dropsy
Caused by a infection internal bacterial, this disease It is characterized by the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen of the fish.
- Symptoms: Swollen abdomen, bristly scales, and erratic swimming.
- Treatment: Administer antibiotics and provide a nutrient-rich diet.
columnaris
One of the enfermedades more aggressive bacteria that affect guppies.
- Symptoms: Cottony patches on the skin, difficulty breathing, and general weakness.
- Treatment: Specific antibiotics and maintenance of excellent water quality.
How to prevent diseases in guppies
To avoid making guppies sick, it is essential to follow certain guidelines: preventive measures:
- Maintaining optimal water quality: Perform weekly water changes of 25-30% and maintain proper pH and temperature levels.
- Avoid stress: Do not overpopulate the aquarium and provide hiding places and vegetation.
- A balanced diet: Offer a varied and high protein diet.
- Quarantining new fish: To prevent the introduction of enfermedades in the main aquarium.
Home treatments and medications for diseases in guppies
Some enfermedades can be treated with home remedies before resorting to commercial medications:
- Salt bath: Adding non-iodized salt (1 teaspoon per 5L of water) can help treat mild bacterial infections.
- Temperature increase: Raising the temperature to 28-30°C weakens certain parasites.
- Use of garlic: Adding garlic extract to food strengthens the immune system.
In severe cases, it is advisable to go to specific medications such as antibiotics and antiparasitics available in specialized stores.
Taking care of the health of the guppy fish does not only involve reacting to the disease, but to maintain a adequate preventive routineBy following the advice described here, it is possible to guarantee a safe and pollution-free environment. enfermedades for these fish so appreciated in aquariums.
Hello rosa! I am Pilar, I am very worried about my fish. They are Guppies and they are dying. I have been meeting one or two a day for about two weeks. I have changed the water, but things are not improving. They have the tail fin as if nibbled, they seem to lose their balance and the eyes are totally black. You have an idea of what may be happening to them and how I can solve the problem. Thanks.
hello friends my guppies are dying their body turns white as if that part was like parboiled please help me
Hello my fish is in playback but I am very worried I do not see it swimming like the habits that is normal
Good morning, my guppy fish is playing but I don't see it swimming like usual, it's normal.