Matriarch Guppy Off Her Feed

[This Old Spouse]

I have a female guppy that I bought from a private party a few months ago. She's always been healthy and active. Last couple of days she appears listless, breathing very fast and not eating. Many other female guppies in the tank with her who are all fine. I know you'll ask for stats which I'm working on now, but any ideas right off the top?

 

[Paradise3]

Could she be in labor? I know this is how my guppies were when in labor so that's my 'of the top' idea.

Cheers,
Paradise<3!

 

[This Old Spouse]

Nope, she's not. There's another mom in there who's about ready to start delivering, but not Big Momma.

 

[Paradise3]

Hmmm. No idea then. Is there anything else going on apart from not eating and breathing heavily? Has she recently had a 'litter' of fry?

Cheers,
Paradise<3!

 

[This Old Spouse]

No recent litter. But here's an interesting development: the other mature mom just started giving birth, and Big Momma perked right up and started chasing the new fry. That's the most active I've seen her in a couple days!

OK, now for the stats:

ammonia = .25
nitrite = .25
nitrate = 5.0
pH = 7.2

I can see a water change in my immediate future. I also have to cull some of the guppies (which I'm loathe to do). Could the elevated ammonia and nitrite be making Big Momma ill?

 

[Paradise3]

It could be.

Cheers,
Paradise<3!

 

[This Old Spouse]

Did the water change right away, and now today she seems much better. Breathing nearly normally and eating again. Whew.

 

[Paradise3]

That could have been causing it then.

Cheers,
Paradise<3!