Even the hardiest guppies can fall ill under stress or poor conditions. That’s why prevention is always your best defense — and why The Guppy Father raises all fish in clean, cycled, and closely monitored tanks. But for new hobbyists or established keepers alike, knowing how to handle disease is essential.
Common Guppy Diseases
Here are the most frequent illnesses you may encounter:
1. Ich (White Spot Disease)
Symptoms: Tiny white spots on fins or body, flashing (rubbing), labored breathing.
Cause: Parasite triggered by stress or fluctuating temps.
Treatment:
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Fritz Expel-P (for parasites) or
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Fritz Mardel Coppersafe (for advanced Ich infestations)
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Increase temp to 82–84°F to speed up the parasite lifecycle
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Add Fritz A.C.C.R. to detoxify ammonia during treatment
2. Fin Rot / Tail Rot
Symptoms: Frayed or disintegrating fins, sometimes reddish or inflamed edges.
Cause: Bacterial infection from poor water quality or nipping.
Treatment:
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Fritz Maracyn (broad-spectrum antibiotic)
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Add Fritz Aquarium Salt to aid healing (1 tbsp per 3 gallons)
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Improve water quality with water changes and dechlorination (FritzGuard)
3. Velvet (Oodinium)
Symptoms: Gold dust or rusty sheen, clamped fins, lethargy.
Cause: Protozoan parasite
Treatment:
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Fritz Mardel Coppersafe
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Dim lights — velvet thrives in light
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Raise temperature slowly to 82°F
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Add Fritz A.C.C.R. to support fish during treatment
4. Columnaris (Cotton Mouth / Body Fungus)
Symptoms: White or gray patches on mouth, body, or fins; often mistaken for fungus
Cause: Bacterial, worsened by warm water and poor oxygenation
Treatment:
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Fritz Maracyn or Maracyn Two
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Increase surface agitation or add an air stone
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Lower temp slightly if safe for your other tank mates
How to Prevent Disease in the First Place
Prevention starts before symptoms ever appear. Here's what we recommend at The Guppy Father:
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Always quarantine new fish: Use a 5- to 10-gallon quarantine tank for 2–4 weeks.
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Keep water stable and clean: Cycle your tank (see our Nitrogen Cycle blog), test weekly, and do 20–30% water changes. Use Fritz Complete for dechlorination and trace element support.
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Feed quality foods: Avoid overfeeding and offer variety — a mix of flakes, frozen, and live food.
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Don’t overcrowd: Too many fish = stress = illness.
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Use FritzZyme 7 beneficial bacteria to keep biofiltration strong, especially after medication or water changes.
Final Thoughts from The Guppy Father
Healthy fish don’t just happen — they’re bred, raised, and cared for with purpose. Whether you’re battling Ich or just want to keep your guppies glowing, Fritz products have proven reliable in our breeding room. Every guppy we ship has been raised on these principles, so your tank starts strong from day one.