Why Are My Guppies Laying on the Bottom of the Tank? {Reasons & Solutions} 2024

I still recall the day when I noticed something unusual about my energetic guppies were inactively resting on the bottom of the tank. This sight instantly raised concern, I questioned “Why are my guppies laying on the bottom of the tank?”

Seeing guppies in discomfort was hard for me. So, I started deep research, observation, trial and error, and finally found the answer.

Based on my observation and research, the reasons behind guppies laying on bottom of tank are lack of oxygen, pregnancy, sickness, poor water parameters, extreme water temperature, and incompitable tank mates.

Guppies are energetic and active fish. They love to swim in all directions of the tank. It is not usual that guppy laying on bottom. You will feel surprised and also a bit concerned when you see your guppies sitting at the bottom of the tank.

In this article, I will share my discoveries and valuable insights to identify the causes behind your guppy sitting at bottom of tank.

Let’s jump in.

Why Is My Guppy Staying At The Bottom Of The Tank?

Reason#1: Oxygen Deficency

Guppies are constant movers as they do not stay still in one place. One evening I observed all my guppies were spending more time near filter. This behavior indicates insufficient oxygen.

So guppy laying on bottom of tank because the aquarium has poor air circulation which lowers the oxygen in an aquarium.

In some cases, pump or filter motors are not of good quality, making it difficult for water to circulate properly.

Solution: Sufficient Oxygen

• I added an air stone and fitted it in the middle of tank for proper air circulation in an aquarium as well as to increase the oxygen level.
• Further, I clean and maintain filters for optimal function which helps to provide sufficient oxygen in tank
• Every week I add some fresh water to boost oxygen level.

This solution prevented my guppies laying on bottom of tank.

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Reason#2: Pregnant Guppy

When I had male and female guppies in one tank together, generally they reproduce and the female guppy fish will give birth to fry.

The most likely reason why female guppy laying on bottom of tank is pregnancy and she is about to give birth.

One of the signs pregnant guppy laying on bottom of tank is a swollen belly. The second sign is female guppy prefer to hide. If there is not enough space to hide and deliver babies, then the pregnant guppy sitting at the bottom of the tank.

Solution: Pregnant Guppy Care

• I added hiding spots such as rocks, caves, plants, and driftwood in the aquarium which gives pregnant guppy enough space to hide.
• Moreover, I prefer to transfer the female pregnant guppy to breeding tank, so that she can give birth peacefully.

“Why is my guppy fry sitting at the bottom of the tank?” – This behavior of guppy fry is common as they are hiding from other mates and safeguarding themselves from becoming food or snack. The other reason might be poor water quality, insufficient food, and sickness or parasites.

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Reason#3: Disease or Parasites

Guppy sitting at bottom of tank due to illness and discomfort. The most common diseases in guppy fish are swim bladder disease, ich (white spot), fin or tail rot, columnaris (mouth fungus), dropsy, and other internal bacterial infections.

One of my guppies had white spots on its body with frayed fins, showing columnaris symptoms. The sick guppy resting on bottom of tank and become lethargic due to illness.

Other factors that make guppies sick are poor water parameters, stress, overfeeding, and injuries.

Guppy is laying on the substrate and not moving much showing symptoms like behaving aggressively, not eating food, changing swimming patterns, and breathing fast.

Solution: Proper Treatment

• I quarantined the sick guppy fish to the hospital tank, so that fish will recover quickly and no spread the infection to other fish.
• After that, I treated water of the community tank with proper medication.
• If you are not able to diagnose the disease go to the Vet, this will help to cure your guppy and prevent from getting sick again.

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Reason#4: Issue In Water Quality

One late evening, I noticed all guppies laying on bottom of tank. I was confused about this weird behavior of guppy fish and kept on thinking why is my guppy swimming at the bottom of the tank.

The first thing that I did was tested the tank water. Saddly, the result indicated ammonia spike. Looking for the reason in guppy fish tank I found out there was uneaten food. Water quality is an essential part of guppies life.

High ammonia, nitrates, and nitrite levels cause stress, disease, and even death. This makes your guppy laying on bottom of tank.

Solution: Maintaining Ideal Water Parameters

• I immediately performed 25% water change and replaced with dechlorinated water
• Then carefully cleaned filter and substrate

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Reason#5: Extreme Water Temperature

One summer morning, I saw guppy resting at bottom of the tank. After that, I started observing the guppy tank to find out the reason for guppies behavior. Suddenly, my eyes were stuck on the thermometer which indicated the maximum temperature for guppies (30°C).

When water is too cold (around 64 °F or 18 °C) or too hot (reaching 86 °F or 30 °C) will encourage guppy laying on bottom.

If you are introducing your guppies to an uncycled tank, this can lead to serious health issues that influence guppies behavior of laying at bottom of tank.

Solution: Optimum Water Temperature

• Firstly, I removed tank lights and heater.
• Secondly, I placed guppy fish tank near the air conditioner of the room.
• Thirdly, opened the tank lid and added some ice cubes.
• Fourthly, install an aquarium fan.
• Finally, I constantly monitored the water temperature for a few hours.

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Reason#6:Stress From Tank Mates or Injury

Guppies are sensitive and easily affected by their surroundings. Angelfish, tiger bars, and cichlids are incompatible, which stresses guppy.

Dominant behavior of aggressive fish threatens male guppy laying on bottom of tank.

Guppy fry and new guppies will feel insecure with insufficient hiding spots. This insecurity will make guppy fry and new guppies swim at bottom.

Fish rivalry is very common in community tank, so always be cautious while selecting tank mates. These fights cause a lot of injury to fish. The wounded guppy staying in one spot at bottom of tank is the common reason.

A stressful environment is one of the reasons why are guppies sitting at bottom of tank.

Solution: Compitable Mates

• I keep guppies with friendly mates such as Swordtail Fish, Platy fish, Molly fish, Cory Catfish, etc.
• Further, I provide ample hiding spaces with plants, rocks, or wood.

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Reason#7: Aging Guppy Fish

Two years back my oldest guppy fish started showing signs of old age such as eating less food, swimming slowly, color loss, and little activity. Further, old age guppy resting on bottom of tank most of the time is the most common aging indicator.

The elderly guppy fish also face many health problems relating to old age. Female guppies becomes less fertile and there are higher chances of complication in pregnancy.

Hence, aging guppies laying on bottom of tank to rest and relax their body.

Solution: Special Care

I give special treatment to my lovely elderly guppies by following these steps:

• Firstly, I set up a separate shallow fish tank with a gentle water flow.
• Secondly, check water parameters are at optimum level.
• Thirdly, I added soft plants with smooth substrates to make their movement easier.
• Lastly, I regularly feed guppies with nutritious high-quality food.

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Reason#8: Sleeping or Resting

This is daily night scene of my guppy fish tank after I switch off aquarium lights, some guppies stays at bottom of tank, others hide behind decorations or plants, and some look like dying guppy fish.

So, if you notice a similar situation in your aquarium then don’t worry your guppies are sleeping. Moreover, there is no eyeball movement, and sleeping with eyes open. Guppy fish brain is relaxing and gathering some energy for the next day.

Solution: Improve Sleep Quality

I have recently installed a programmable aquarium light which helps turn off light on guppies sleep schedule.

Further, good sleep keeps guppy free from diseases

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Reason#9: Comfortable Substrate

When there is too much comfort in the aquarium like smooth substrate becomes one of the reasons of guppies laying on bottom of tank.

Years back as a newbie I wanted to provide my guppies most comfortable tank and I prepared fine sand substrate which made my guppies relax and lazy. Over the weeks, after making some changes in the substrate such as adding gravel and rocks guppies stopped relaxing at bottom of tank.

Solution: Varied Substrate

I learned a lesson that providing guppies with too much comfort is dangerous for their health. So comfort is not a solution rather it is harmful. The variety of substrates in the tank allows all guppies to different spots for relaxation.

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Conclusion

In this article, I have discussed the most common reasons why are my guppies laying on the bottom of the tank such as insufficent oxygen, pregnancy, sickness, bad water condition, extreme water temperature, and aggressive tank mates.

The best solutions to prevent guppies laying on bottom of tank are by improving oxygenation, providing hiding spots, isolating sick guppies, ideal water parameters, optimum water temperature, and suitable tank mates.

Feel free to share in comment box your guppy story which will help other community members to create healthy environment for guppies. Let’s make guppies world more beautiful and happy place to stay.

Happy Guppy Keeping!

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FAQS

1 Why Is Bloated Guppy At Bottom Of Tank?

A guppy bloated laying bottom tank indicates health problems like dropsy, swim bladder, constipation, overfeeding, or internal infections.

2 Why Are New Guppies Bottom Of Tank?

New guppies at bottom of tank due to insecurity, stress, and insufficient hiding space.

3 Pregnant Guppy Laying On Bottom Of Tank?

Before giving birth, a pregnant guppy laying on bottom of tank to find a comfortable spot to deliver guppy fries.

4. Why Are Guppies Gasping At Bottom Of Tank?

Guppy sitting on bottom of tank gasping indicates problems in oxygen levels, water quality, or illness.

5. Guppy At Bottom Of Tank After Water Change?

Guppy laying on bottom of tank after water change to adjust with new water parameters or enviornment.

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