Skip to content 
A few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my guppies lost their colors. After looking at them closely I found that my guppies are stressed. So, I was thinking why are my guppies stressed?
Yes, it’s true, Just like us, guppies can also get stressed too.
It is said that 99% of guppy fish keep dying because of stress which results in illness.
In this article we will discuss:
-> What are the signs of guppy fish stress
-> Why do guppies get stressed
-> How to help a stressed guppy
Let us discuss.
Table of Contents
What is Guppy Fish Stress?
We get upset about things in our surroundings which affects our health. Similarly, guppy feels stress when something is not right in its surrounding environment which causes illness or disease.
If guppy fish stay under stress for a long period, then they may not live long and might die soon.
Hence, it is important to keep the aquarium water clean and maintain the required parameters for stress-free guppy.
What are the Signs of Guppy Fish Stress?
If you are curious like me and thinking about how to know if guppy is stressed.
Stress makes guppies less lively in the aquarium. They are staying or hiding in the corner or laying on the bottom of the tank.
You are concerned about how do you know if your guppy is stressed? These below mentioned symptoms can tell you what does a stressed guppy looks like:
1. Lack of Energy
Your guppy fish will be lethargic and remain idle or hardly moving.
2. Reduced Appetite
Stressed guppy fish will reduce food intake and even stop eating over time.
3. Unusual swimming behavior
A stressed guppy will behave unusually and this sign is quite concerning.
Guppies abnormal swimming behavior such as rubbing on rocks, swimming in circles, or hitting objects in the tank.
4. Faded Color
When guppies get stressed, they may lose their color and become pale in appearance.
5. Disease
Stressed guppies will have physical changes like white spots, swollen belly (bloated belly), curved spine or other signs that show your guppy fish is unwell and stressed.
6. Injury
Because of clashes with other fish, your guppies may get injured which results in stress.
7. Gasping at the top of the tank
Guppy feels stressed due to poor water conditions and lack of oxygen. Your guppy will be gasping for air at the top of the tank.
Why are my Guppies Stressed? (Reasons & Solutions)
The reasons why do guppies get stressed are:
Reason#1: Poor Water Parameter
Guppy being tropical fish, prefer to live in warm water.
If the water temperature is high above 90°F (32°C) then the level of oxygen decreases in the tank and there will be breathing issues which eventually bring stress to male and female guppies.
Similarly, when the water temperature is low below 68°F(20°C), it weakens the immune system and makes guppy sick.
Due to high ammonia levels, the water becomes toxic leading to various common guppy diseases. If you have changed more than half of the water, then guppies get stressed even after water change and may die.
Solution:
– An ideal water temperature for guppies is between 75 and 78 °F (24 and 26 °C).
– Every week change 25% – 40% water to remove toxins.
– Regularly clean your tank.
| Pro-tips : – I recommend using the API freshwater master test kit to measure the toxic level in the water tank. – To maintain the water temperature use an aquarium heater and an aquarium chiller. |
Reason#2: Aggressive tank mates
Guppies feel uncomfortable and stressed in the presence of aggressive tank mates like angelfish, tiger bars, and cichlids.
Guppy fish are sensitive and peaceful. If aggressive fish attacks, then the guppy won’t fight back. They get stressed if there are no hiding spots.
Solution:
– Separate aggressive tank mates into a different aquarium
– Keep guppies with friendly mates such as Swordtail Fish, Platy fish, Molly fish, Cory Catfish, etc.
| Pro-tip : I add plants, rocks, or decorations to give guppies hiding spots. |
Reason#3: Overcrowded or Small tank
A small or overcrowded tank can cause stress to guppies
Guppies may not be able to move freely in overcrowded tanks as waste produce will be more.
Overcrowding leads to increased aggression and fights among fish, which can result in injuries.
This even curtails the guppies physical growth.
In severe situations, overcrowding can result in death.
Solution:
– Always remember the golden rule “One inch one gallon“.
– For instance, in a 10-gallon tank, adding approximately 5-6 guppies is recommended for a healthy environment.
| Pro-tips : To control the population, keep male and female guppies in separate water tanks. |
Reason#4: Lack of Oxygen
Like human, guppies need oxygen for their survival.
When guppies do not have enough oxygen in their tank, they become slow and have difficulty breathing.
Tanks with poor air circulation and still water decrease the level of oxygen.
Hence, this is the reason why do guppies get stressed.
Solution:
– To increase the oxygen level add an air stone in the middle of the tank.
– Clean the filter and add some fresh water to the tank for proper air circulation.
| Pro-tip : Improve oxygen levels in the guppy tank using Hygger Aquarium Air Stone. |
How to Help a Stressed Guppy? (Solutions)
After understanding guppy stress symptoms and reasons, it is important to know how you can help guppy to reduce stress level.
Following are the steps that will destress Guppy fish:
- Weekly change 25% – 30% water.
- Monitor the level of ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and pH.
- Choose guppy-friendly tank mates.
- Provide hiding spots by adding live plants, rocks, and decorations
- Regularly feed your guppy fish with a balanced diet. Avoid overfeeding.
- Keep your guppy tank in a quiet and stable place.
- Allow new guppy fish some time to acclimate with tank mates and water parameters.
- Provide half a liter of water for each guppy for a healthy environment.
- Keep steady water flow which ensures guppy fish get enough oxygen.
Conclusion
Stress is one of the reasons for many diseases. You have to observe your guppies behavior at regular intervals.
It is really important to take care of guppy fish so they stay happy and healthy. Signs of stressed guppy include reduced activity, loss of appetite, unusual swimming, pale color, diseases, injuries, and gasping for air.
The reasons for guppy stress are inadequate water conditions, aggressive tankmates, overcrowding, and poor oxygen levels.
By implementing solutions and pro-tips, we can make sure our guppies are happy, healthy, and stress-free!
If you still have some questions, let me know in the comment sections.
FAQS
1 Can Guppies Die from Stress?
Yes, guppies can die from stress. Stress weakens their immune system, reduces lifespan, and at risk of diseases.
2 Can a Stressed Fish Recover?
Yes, a stressed fish can recover but depends on the reason and duration of stress. Proper water conditions, visual check on guppies behavior regularly, correct care and treatment helps to recover a stressed fish.
3 Is guppy stressed in breeder box?
Yes, placing a pregnant female guppy in the breeder box results in to stress and potential harm guppy fry.
4 Is it Normal for Guppy Fish to be Stressed in a New Tank?
Yes, it is normal for guppy fish to be stressed in a new tank due to a new environment, change in water conditions, and new tank mates.
Happy Guppy Keeping!
I am Alexa with 5+ years of experience in fishkeeping industry with expertise in taking care of guppies, aquariums, and dealing with diseases. Moreover, I am lovely wife, dedicated mom, and passionate guppy fish keeper. If you are into guppy fish keeping like me, you are in the right place. Explore the blog, ask questions, and enjoy guppy fishkeeping journey with GuppyAdvisor.
