Guppy Fish Diseases

One of the most popular aquarium fish, the guppies are scientifically named as Poecilia Libestes Reticulata. The guppy owe their origin to parts of Trinidad and Guyana, however, now they are found in many countries. Guppies are a very peace-loving fish and they like to live in their own communities as other species hurt them with their long fins. Guppies are found in various colors and shades. Lack of proper fish care can lead to various types of guppy fish diseases.

Tail or Fin Rot
Fin rot or tail rot is a diseased condition among the guppy fish that is primarily due to bacterial infection. Often, the aggressive behavior of few guppy fish in the aquarium leads to damage and hurt in the fins and tails, that indirectly favors the growth of fungus. Bacterial infection is marked by disintegration and shredding of the fins, that is usually accompanied by light colored red marks/spots at the ends of the tail and on the fins. Poor quality water in the fish tank is a common reason of tail or fin rot. Treatment of tail rot or fin rot is administered by removing the guppy fish from the aquarium tank and putting in some other water tank with better water quality. Antibiotics can also be given to treat fish rot.

Hemorrhagic Septicaemia
One of the dangerous guppy fish diseases, hemorrhagic septicaemia occurs due to a particular class of bacteria that grow in the blood. This guppy disease manifests itself as deep sores, ulcers and lesions on the body of the fish especially the tails and fins. This condition may be due to the poor fish care like rough handling while transporting and overcrowded aquarium. If a guppy fish is affected by this disease, then it is necessary to isolate it from the rest, so that the bacteria is not able to infect other fish in the aquarium tank of fish tank.

Sores and Wounds
Sores and wounds generally occur due to aggressive behavior of the fish in the aquarium. The fish may be injured due to improper handling and care during netting and shipping. It is necessary that extreme care is taken during shipping of the live fish. Fish hobbyists are generally aware of the careful methods that are required in transporting fish from one part of the country to the other. For instance, the guppy fish must be placed in the plastic bags that are 1.5 to 2 millimeter in size and the plastic bag must be labeled with an adhesive tag.

Mouth Fungus
Fungus problems are common guppy fish diseases. Basically, weak guppy fish or the injured ones are more susceptible to fungal diseases wherein one can see whitish patches on the body of the fin. Any damage of the skin/gills or keeping the guppy fish in a fish tank that is very cold can lead to development of fungus on the fish body. Besides the body, guppy fish can show fungus symptoms on the edges of mouth. A white layer near the edges of mouth are the indication of fungus infection. A bacterial disease, though not exactly like fungal diseases also effects the guppy fish.

Swim Bladder Problems
A quite rarely observed problem in guppy fish is the disorders related to swim bladders. For example, a guppy fish may show unusual fish behavior by swimming very faster and in a particular angle in the aquarium. Though the cause of this guppy disease is not known it is believed that crowded fish tanks make them feel uncomfortable and so that behavior. Another swim bladder infection that is more dangerous than the former one is a severe viral infection of the swim bladder. The guppy fish stops eating or eats very less than the normal and may develop cysts at the bottom of the swim/air bladders.

These are some of the guppy fish diseases that can be harmful to the health of your guppy fish. It is absolutely essential that proper methods of guppy fish care are adopted so that you can easily treat the fish for the various diseases.