Guppy With Burnt Tail?

[PrairieSunflower]

If its not one thing its another these days!

Well... I noticed today that one of my male guppies has a strange thing going on with the bottom quarter of his tail. Its completely black and it curls upwards.... I can't figure out what it is other than maybe he fell asleep on the heater and burnt it?

Anything I should be doing for him?

 

[#1 Fish Fan]

I would contact your LFS, ask them and get what you need! Look at my signiture, I wrote it for you!

 

[PrairieSunflower]

His tail has uncurled this morning and is flowing more normally when he swims, its just still black on that portion.

 

[#1 Fish Fan]

Well that is a good sign. Do you have any idea how this happened?

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I'm just assuming he fell asleep touching the heater. I've seen them from time to time asleep on the rubber thing that holds the heater on... so guessing maybe his tail ended up touching the heater for too long.

My heater seems to be working properly and not too hot to touch.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Here is a photo, it was the best one I could manage as my male guppies are awfully camera shy and each time I tried to get a good angle they would all go to the other side of the plants. LOL

The bottom portion of his tail... it has curled a bit again in the picture but is a lot less curled when he is swimming though.

 

[#1 Fish Fan]

Ok, I see what you mean! Have you noticed anything different about the guppy since that has happened? Or is it only that the tail is black and curled?

 

[#1 Fish Fan]

What is the tank temperature?
What size is the tank?
What is your stock?
How often do you change your water?
How much water do you change?
Has any other fish got any illness or injury?
Has the guppy had any illness or injury in the past?

 

[KCB]

I'm sure he'll be fine. I think the only thing you can do is wait for it to heal and maybe add an antibacterial to prevent infection?

 

[PrairieSunflower]

What is the tank temperature? 26c
What size is the tank? 60 litres
What is your stock? 8 adult male guppies and 5 fry that won't be permanent, countless assassin snail babies.... LOL
How often do you change your water? 1 times per week
How much water do you change? half
Has any other fish got any illness or injury? Not currently, have had a mystery illness in the past
Has the guppy had any illness or injury in the past? No.


So far, I've decided to do nothing but more frequent water changes to help. His behavior and all is normal, so I think that is a good sign.

 

[KCB]

So far, I've decided to do nothing but more frequent water changes to help. His behavior and all is normal, so I think that is a good sign.

I can't remember who said it, but I remember hearing on this forum that the best thing you can do for an injured fish is to provide it with a clean environment, so I think what you're doing is fine .