Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are very popular fish among aquarium hobbyists due to their resistance y ease of maintenanceHowever, despite their robustness, they are not exempt from enfermedades caused by bacteria, parasites and even for maintenance inadequate from their surroundings. In this article, we will explore in depth the Most common diseases and bacteria in guppies, its causes, symptoms and methods of prevention and treatment.
Main diseases and bacteria that affect guppies
White spot or Ichthyophthiriasis
El White Point is one of more common diseases in freshwater fish, including guppies. It is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which adheres to the body of the fish and causes the appearance of small dots of Blancos similar to grains of salt.
Symptoms:
- White spots on body and fins.
- Erratic behavior, such as rub against objects in the aquarium.
- waste of appetite and lethargy.
Prevention and treatment:
- keep water temperature stable between 25-28°C.
- Prevent stress in fish by using a good maintenance of the aquarium.
- Use deworming drugs Specific.
Velvet disease
La velvet disease It is caused by the parasite oodinium, which affects mainly the gills and skin of the fish.
Symptoms:
- Velvety appearance on the skin, with a golden tone or yellow.
- Breathing accelerated due to the affectation of the gills.
- Apathetic behavior and loss of color.
Prevention and treatment:
- Raise the water temperature to 28-30°C to accelerate the life cycle of the parasite.
- Apply drugs with copper sulphate or malachite green.
- Perform frequent water changes and improve the oxygenation.
Columnaris or cotton mouth disease
It is a common bacterial infection in aquariums with poor water quality. The bacteria Flavobacterium columnare is responsible for this disease.
Symptoms:
- Cottony lesions on the mouth and body.
- fins retracted and irregular swimming.
- Speed in propagation if not treated on time.
Prevention and treatment:
- Improve water quality and prevent accumulations of organic waste.
- Use of specific antibiotics such as oxytetracycline.
- Isolate sick fish for prevent the spread.
Dropsy
La dropsy is a serious illness which can be of bacterial or viral origin, causing an accumulation of fluids in the fish's body.
Symptoms:
- Abdomen swollen and bristly, "pineapple"-like scales.
- Difficulty swim and lethargy.
- Lack of appetite.
Prevention and treatment:
- Maintain a feed balanced and of high quality.
- Use of specific antibiotics in bacterial cases.
- Isolation of the affected fish.
How to prevent diseases in guppies
- Water quality: Perform partial water changes weekly and control ammonia and nitrate levels.
- Suitable temperature: Keep the aquarium at a temperature range of 24 to 28°C.
- Balanced diet: Provide food varied and of high quality.
- Isolation de peces sick: To prevent the spread of diseases in the aquarium.
Keeping guppies in optimal health requires basic, but essential, care. With proper feeding, water control and attention to the first signs of illness, we can avoid most of the problems that affect these fish. If you detect any abnormality in their behavior or appearance, act quickly to ensure their health. people's wellbeing.
My guppy has his tail stuck, how can I heal him? Thanks
I have a problem with my fish, I am a novice in the aquarium issue and I have it for a short time (about 20 days), I have been observing my guppies for several days and there are some who are apathetic, they barely eat, swim with erratic movements and have a few white spots only on the fins, some have already died, what disease can they have? And what would be the solution? In the aquarium I only have guppies and prawns neocaridinas blue velvet and caridinas crystal red. Thank you very much in advance.