Guppy Deworming Guide

Deworming guppies is a delicate process that requires vigilance and swift action. Guppies are susceptible to various parasites, including the notorious Camallanus red worm, which can infest an entire tank rapidly and is challenging to detect in its early stages. The parasite attaches to the digestive system, feeds on the host's blood, and deprives them of essential nutrients. Left untreated, the guppy's health deteriorates, leading to lethargy, loss of appetite, and even mortality. Treatment options include anti-worm medications such as Fritz Expel-P, Sera Med Professional Nematol, and API General Cure. These medications target a range of parasites and work by paralysing adult worms for expulsion. To ensure the infestation doesn't reoccur, it is crucial to clean and disinfect the tank, removing all traces of the parasite, including eggs and larvae.

Common symptoms of worms in guppies

Guppies are prone to Camallanus worms, a common intestinal parasite in tropical fish. The worms feed on the blood of the fish, resulting in a starved appearance. Here are some common symptoms of worms in guppies:

• Abdominal bloating: Guppies infected with worms may experience abdominal bloating due to the presence of the parasites in their intestines.
• Disinterest in food: Infected guppies may show a lack of interest in eating, even though they appear hungry.
• Wasting and weight loss: One of the most visible signs of worms in guppies is weight loss, making them look thin and wasted.
• Lethargy: A guppy with worms may become lethargic and spend more time lying at the bottom of the tank, with reduced swimming activity.
• Faded colours: The colours of infected guppies may appear dull or faded compared to healthy individuals.
• Light-coloured faeces: Guppies with worms may produce faeces that are lighter in colour than usual, which can be an early indicator of an infestation.
• Stringy faeces: In some cases, the faeces of infected guppies may become stringy or white, indicating the presence of worms.
• Shivering and shaking: Livebearer guppies, in particular, may exhibit shivering and shaking behaviours, appearing as if they are swimming in place.
• Sudden deaths: Worms can cause consecutive sudden deaths in a tank, often with no clear cause, as the parasites feed on the fish's blood.

It is important to note that these symptoms may not always be present, especially in fish kept in stable and good water conditions. However, poor water quality, overcrowding, and an unsuitable diet can weaken the guppies' immune systems, making the infestation worse. If you suspect your guppies have worms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or a specialist in aquatic fish health for accurate diagnosis and treatment advice.

Effective deworming medications

Deworming medications are an effective way to treat parasitic infections in guppies. There are several medications available that can target a range of parasites, including the Camallanus worm, a common parasite in guppies. Here are some of the recommended medications:

Levamisole

Levamisole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication that is effective against a wide range of parasites, including roundworms. It is available under various brand names, such as Prohibit and Levamed. Levamisole can be purchased online or from livestock supply stores. It is approved for livestock use, so you will need to calculate the correct dosage for your guppies. Levamisole works by paralysing adult worms, allowing them to be expelled from the fish. It is safe for plants and bio-filters, but it is important to note that the expulsion of worms can cause internal damage to the fish.

Fritz Expel-P

Fritz Expel-P is a dewormer that contains levamisole and targets roundworms, including the Camallanus worm. It is available for purchase online and in stores. To use Fritz Expel-P, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which recommend using one packet per 10 gallons (38 L) of water. After 24 hours, perform a 25% water change to remove the excreted parasites. Repeat the treatment two weeks later to ensure any remaining worms are eliminated. Fritz Expel-P is safe for all aquarium inhabitants and boosts the fish’s immune response, aiding in their recovery.

API General Cure

API General Cure is a medication that contains both metronidazole and praziquantel, which are effective against worms and other parasites. It is easily available and can be purchased from stores. API General Cure has the advantage of being safe for plants, bio-filters, and invertebrates. However, it must be mixed with food, and guppies may find it unpalatable.

Sera Med Professional Nematol

Sera Med Professional Nematol is a dewormer designed for professional use, but it is also effective for private use. It is safe for humans and animals and can be used to treat several types of worms and parasites, including the Camallanus worm. This product is only available in the EU and UK.

Hikari Prazipro

Hikari Prazipro contains praziquantel, which is effective against parasites. However, it does not contain metronidazole, so it may not be as effective as some other treatments.

When using any deworming medication, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to repeat the treatment as recommended to ensure the complete elimination of the parasites. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain high water quality and reduce stress factors for the guppies, as this can help lower their susceptibility to parasitic infections.

How to prevent future infestations

To prevent future infestations of worms in your guppies, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, it is important to quarantine new fish for a few weeks to observe their behaviour, appetite, and overall health before introducing them to your main tank. This will help you identify any potential health issues, including parasitic infections. During the quarantine period, you can also treat the new fish with a quarantine medication trio, which helps ward off most bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. If you are specifically concerned about camallanus worms, you can use Expel-P as a separate treatment.

Another important measure is to maintain high water quality and a stress-free environment for your guppies. Stress factors such as bad water quality or tank aggression can weaken your guppies' immune systems, making them more susceptible to parasitic infections. Regular tank maintenance, including water changes, and providing high-quality food can also help prevent infestations.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid cross-contamination by keeping the quarantine tank in a separate area, washing your hands thoroughly after handling the quarantine tank, and using separate nets and siphons for fish in quarantine. This will help prevent the spread of parasites between tanks.

Furthermore, be cautious when purchasing live food and live plants for your tank. Live food, such as small fish or crustaceans, can be infected with parasite larvae, which can then be transmitted to your guppies. Similarly, live plants, such as Java Moss and Guppy Grass, can also harbour parasite larvae, leading to a faster infestation rate.

Finally, regular observation of your guppies' behaviour and appearance can help you detect any early signs of parasitic infections. Some signs to look out for include thinning or bloating, white or light-coloured stringy faeces, loss of appetite, and slow growth in juvenile fish. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take prompt action and seek appropriate treatment to prevent future infestations.

Sterilising the tank and its contents

Step 1: Remove Fish and Items from the Tank

Start by transferring your guppies to a separate, temporary tank filled with conditioned water. This will ensure their safety while you clean and sterilise the main tank. Use a slow and gentle scooping motion with a fish net to avoid startling the fish.

Next, remove all removable items from the tank, including decorations, plants, and rocks. This will make it easier to clean and ensure thorough sterilisation.

Step 2: Drain and Wipe Down the Tank

Use a bucket or a syphon hose to drain the water from the tank. If there is any remaining water, gently tip the tank to remove it. Then, wipe down the tank with warm water and a paper towel to remove any dirt or dust. If the paper towel is spreading dirt, discard it and use a new one.

Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Sterilising Solution

For this step, you can use either a bleach solution or other fish-safe disinfectants such as Lysol® or potassium permanganate. If using bleach, mix one part bleach with five parts water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to combine. Avoid using bleach with detergent, as it can be harmful to fish.

Spray the diluted bleach solution liberally over the tank and removable items. You can also submerge the items in the solution for one hour. This will ensure that all surfaces are covered. Avoid spraying over grass, as bleach can kill plants.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After allowing the solution to sit for about 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse the tank and removable items. Use a hose or fill the tank with water and empty it twice to ensure all bleach residue is removed. Submerge the removable items in clean water, shake to remove drips, and repeat the rinsing process.

Finally, let the tank and items air dry completely. This is important, as it allows any remaining bleach to break down into harmless by-products. Place the tank in a safe area where it won't be knocked over, and leave the removable items beside the tank to dry.

Step 5: Reassemble and Refill the Tank

Once everything is dry, you can start reassembling the tank. Put back the removable items, reattach any filters, and add new items if desired. Just be sure that any new items are also sanitised to avoid contaminating the tank.

Refill the tank with water and set the thermostat to the correct temperature for guppies. Add a dechlorinator and other necessary conditioners to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the fish.

Step 6: Return the Fish to the Tank

Now it's time to welcome your guppies back to their clean home! Use a wet fish net to gently scoop the fish from the temporary container and place them in the sterilised tank. Avoid making sudden movements to prevent startling the fish.

By following these steps, you will effectively sterilise your guppy tank and its contents, creating a healthy and safe environment for your fish.

Quarantining new guppies

• Set up a quarantine tank: You will need a separate tank specifically for quarantining new guppies. This tank should be smaller than your main tank and have its own filter, heater, and decorations. It is recommended to have a hospital tank set up and ready before purchasing new guppies.
• Acclimate the guppies: When you bring home your new guppies, slowly introduce them to the quarantine tank. Allow them to adjust to the new environment by floating the bag containing the guppies in the quarantine tank for about 15 minutes, then release them into the tank.
• Observe the guppies: For the next few weeks, closely monitor the behaviour and health of the guppies. Look out for any signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, abnormal swimming behaviour, or changes in colour or appearance. During this time, you should also treat the guppies with a quarantine medication trio to help ward off bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.
• Feed and care for the guppies: Provide the guppies with high-quality food and maintain optimal water conditions. Feed them a varied diet that includes plant matter and protein, similar to their diet in the wild. Ensure the water temperature is within the ideal range of 74–82ºF (23–28ºC) and perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and healthy.
• Disinfect equipment: To prevent the spread of disease, it is important to disinfect any equipment used in the quarantine tank, such as nets and siphons. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the quarantine tank and use separate equipment for your main tank to avoid cross-contamination.
• Introduce guppies to the main tank: If, after a few weeks, the guppies show no signs of illness and are thriving, you can consider introducing them to your main tank. However, it is important to do so gradually and carefully to avoid stressing the guppies or transferring any potential diseases to your existing fish.

Frequently asked questions