I had 4 guppies. One died after only a few days in the tank (we found him sucked in the filter). Now one of my guppies (a female) has gotten pretty fat and her scales are sticking out. At first we thought she might be pregnant, but since her scales started to stick out I think she may be sick. She also seems to be swimming horizontal. Her head straight up, and her tail down.
2007-05-07 16:38:42 · 10 answers · asked by Kelli H 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Sounds like you have dropsy (scales sticking out like on a pine cone). Dropsy itself is not a disease but rather a result of something else being wrong. The fish is unable to expel fluids due to an infection and thus swells up. It could be because of a bacterial infection which I would medicate them with Maracyn-Two to clear up what is causing the dropsy.
Also check your water parameters. Make sure the PH is between 6.8 and 8.0 at the most. Your temp should stay between 76 and 80. Also if you don't already have one get a test kit to test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, as any high levels of these can posion your fish. Good luck!
2007-05-07 16:52:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
With the scales sticking out, dropsy is the correct diagnosis, but rather than being a disease, dropsy is a symptom of a few different conditions, all of which prevent excess water from being removed from the body.
Dropsy can be caused by poor water conditions, diet, bacterial infections, overuse of chemicals/medications, and other causes. Depending on the cause, it may be able to be cured, but maybe not.
If you have a water test kit, check for the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the tank. If you don't have a kit, do a partial water change of around 25% (remove more if you use any chemicals other than something to remove the chlorine). When you replace the water, make it about the same temperature as what's already in the tank, and add only the dechlorinator to the replacement water. If you don't see an improvement tomorrow, put the guppy in a separate tank if you've got one and add a tiny bit of Epsom salt (1/8 teaspoon for every 5 gallons of water is the normal dose). If you still don't see an improvement, try an antibiotic. Several are suggested under treatments for dropsy in this link: http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm
2007-05-07 17:09:51 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
unfortunately a lot of fish come sick from the store. Try to deal with someone that gives a 7 day guarantee. It was a good suggestion to take a water sample to the store. It sounds like it has fish bloat, you can spend a lot of money with medicine but most times it doesn't work. Not that I would not try each and every time to try and save the poor thing. When ever purchasing fish look at the tank if the fish in the tank look sick or they are dead don't purchase any fish from this tank and if all the tanks are connected with a big filtering system, same applies. Also when ever I purchase a new fish I never add the store water to my water when the fish gets acclimated to the water temp I dump him out over a net over the sink and then add the new fish. this way you once again safeguard the rest of your stock.
2007-05-07 16:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by worknlakeside 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your fish is sick. Sounds like there is something wrong with your water. I don't know how much you can do for the fish now, but in the future- when you change the water, treat it. There is stuff you can get at the pet store that takes out all the chlorine and stuff from your water. Its cheap, too. should only cost a couple dollars. Keep the tank/bowl in a place away from direct sunlight and keep the temperature relatively stable.
2007-05-07 16:52:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
sounds like your guppy has dropsy.....
change the water immediately and
put a little salt
i teaspooon per gallon
2007-05-07 19:38:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not the water but definitely a disease. I forget what it is called. I wish I still had my really cool livebearers color dictionary.. it was great.. I would definitely isolate that fish.
2007-05-07 16:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by greyskymourning82 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe you're overfeeding it. Try fasting her for a day to let her digest. If she's still like that try it for 3 more days and then slowly add food.
2007-05-07 19:14:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You need to get your water tested.
The PH might be off.
You can take some water to a vet and they will test it for you.
It's not suppose to cost you anything.
2007-05-07 16:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by kudo452 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
take a water sample to the local per store they will tell you whats wrong
2007-05-07 16:45:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The only thing I can remember is something they call: Ick.
http://www.nunnie.com/ick.html
2007-05-07 16:48:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋