Problem With A Guppie

[glyndawn]

i have several guppie in my tank but one has gone really fat and i can see what looks like spikes on its belly whats is this


and other fish seem to be attacking it

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi there glyndawn; sorry to hear about your guppy

When you say 'spikes on its belly', do you think it could be the fishes scales sticking out? If so, then your fish probably has dropsy. This can have many causes but is usually related to poor water quality. Once the scales start sticking up it's usually too late to save the fish. Can you test your water and post the results?

I'm afraid other fish will pick on ones who are sick. You should probably isolate the sick fish; in another tank if you can, but in a net or breeding trap to give it some peace and quiet at least.

You can try giving the guppy some cooked, shelled pea (in case it's constipated) or a salt bath (1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water; it must be proper Epsom salt from the chemist though; table salt won't do)