Sick guppy?

Question

I seem to be having a problem that I have never had before with my guppies. It seems to be some kind of disease, parasite or maybe even a fight between other fish or frogs. My female guppies are starting to look sick. Their upper lip is receding, air bladder is elongating ( or disappearing), and they are having trouble swimming. Has any one seen this before? I have had guppies for over 20 years and have never seen this!
NO SMARTASSES PLEASE!!!!

Answer 1

It probably isn't a fight between the fish and frogs (unless you have african clawed frogs - but they would just eat the guppies outright). African dwarf frogs would be too much to inflict any real damage, and the guppy would just swim away from it if it tried.

It does sound like a swim bladder problem, but you didn't provide enough info for me to make any more affirmative diagnoses. What size thank are they in? How many guppies are in the tank? Are ALL the guppies in the tank affected? Have you tested your water?
In my (oberservational) experience, 80% of fish illness is the direct result poor quality. This may not be the case here, but do test your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates to make sure that that is not the problem.

As for treatment, add a little aquarium salt (1tbsp per 5 gallons, disolved first in dechlor water) and treat the possible bacterial infection on their lip with melafix. If that does not help, try maracyn and maracyn-2. If you already have salt in the aquarium, do not add anymore, and consider reducing the amount, as too much salt can cause osmosis probems. Best I can suggest without knowing what the exact problem is. I hope someone else can provide more insight!

Answer 2

Is it possible there's too much salt in the aquarium? (assuming you keep them under brackish conditions as some people like to)

I use www.flippersnfins.net a lot. They have an emergency room forum that might be of some help to you.

Answer 3

i wouldnt know whats wrong it but id advise u to take it to the vet