Tail Rot Or Not?

[preynolds]

Hi,

Today I found that one of my guppies tails looked like it had been pulled and my first thought was that one of my dwarf gouramis had been nipping at it (probably half the tail is gone). I then checked out some disease sites and read up on tail rot and so am now a little concerned that it might be this rather than an agressive gourami.

However, the tail has gone from perfect condition to half missing in one night and all water tests show no problems. Could this sort of damage in such a short time be attributed to fin rot, or am I right to deduce that my gourami(s) have been picking on the guppy?

Thanks.

Phil

 

[WILDER]

Sadly you should never keep gouramis and guppys together, have you seen the fish nip at the guppys fins, as guppys are very prone to bacterial finrot, is there any red streaking or edges to the tail.

Also can you say how many gallons is the tank, plus how many fish and which type, and water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph.

 

[preynolds]

To be honest I've not seen any agressive behaviour from the gouramis. There is a small red mark right at the end of the tail, but this could well be the natural markings, as the tail is "clamped" tightly together (not fanned out any more).

The tank is 20gals with 2 gouramis, 5 guppies and 6 neon tetras.

The annoying thing is that I was recommended the gouramis by my local aqaurium shop after telling them I already had the tetras and guppies.

Water tests are : ammonia = 0.6, nitrite = 0.2, nitrate = 5, pH = 7.0

 

[WILDER]

The tank isn't cycled plus all them fish are sensitive to water quality, i would do a immediate water change, the red patch on the tail sounds like septicemia.

Not the writer of this information below.
Septicemia



Symptoms:

Fish may have reddening at fin bases, blood streaks throughout the fins and body, small hemorrhages around the eyes. Dull listless behavior and lack of appetite may also be present.



Cause:

Systemic bacterial infection caused by various bacteria, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. The illness is often brought on by poor water quality or as a result of parasitic infestations or other infections. These bacteria enter the blood stream and circulate through the tissues causing inflammation and damage. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin and at fin bases stand out. Blood vessel and heart tissue damage cause hemorrhaging and consequently leakage of body fluids into the abdomen, which may lead to Dropsy.



Treatment:

Water conditions must be improved for all fish in the tank, regardless of how many fish are infected. Check your water’s Treat with Kanacyn or Tetracycline as well as with a medicated food if the fish will eat. If parasites are suspected, all the fish in the tank should be treated with antiparasitic medication. Using salt to help restore osmotic balance might be helpful.




What's your location.

 

[preynolds]

Interestingly, from the results I've given you I thought the water quality was ok (based on the literature in the test kit). As a beginner I'm finding this all quite a challenge!! Which results are out?

I'm in Birmingham, England.

 

[WILDER]

Ammonia and nitrite should be 0, that why you need to do a water change as the tests are showing that the tank itsn't quite cycled yet, how long has the tank been set up, you will need anti internal bacteria med by interpet.

No9 on the list.
You might lose the guppy though if half of its tail gone, sorry.

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...tp=100&rets=235

 

[preynolds]

The setup is relatively new (2 months old). I'll get some of the medication tomorrow.

Could you suggest a fish that will live more happily with the gouramis if guppies are a no-no?

 

[WILDER]

I gave up on guppys as they always died as they are very prone to deseases as they are that inbred.
It's up to you but it's one or the other as you will have problems with fin nipping soon, good luck.
I would add a tablespoon of salt to the tank for now.

Get some corys for the bottom of the tank, they are lovely fish, but i would not add anymore fish till the tank has completely cycled, and maybe another shoal of a tetra's or herlequins< but no tetra's with flowing fins.

 

[preynolds]

Just to clarify, do you mean that regardless of the type of fish I add, if I keep the gouramis they will nip the other fish's fins?
Also, what does the salt do?

Thanks for your help!

 

[WILDER]

Gouramis are fine with every thing else except guppys, cory will be fine and harlequins, just avoid fish with flowing fins as gouramis are fin nippers.
Salt good in a cycling tank as helps them when you have ammonia and nitrite readings.

http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...?article_id=335

 

[preynolds]

That's great, thanks for your help, it's very much appreciated!

 

[WILDER]

Your'e welcome. Good luck.