Why did my guppy die after swimming weirdly with a pinched tail?

Thanks for reaching out about Gilger. Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are that Gilger was weak and ill, and became stuck under the rock. Causes of this range from water quality problems to viral infections, but water testing and a necropsy are the only ways to come to a conclusion. Test the water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your fish. Water quality or aggression by other fish should be considered. Testing water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, correcting any problems. The fins should re-grow is the problem is corrected. Good luck.

unfortunately it is really common that fish are sold when they are already sick. I would be concerned the one hiding has a respiratory infection or possible fungal disease like fin rot. You can try and medicate the water with over the counter anti fungals. However I would recommend trying to take them to a fish specialist to get better medications due to having to treat both of them. If one continues to get sicker I would recommend placing it in its own tank.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucky. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any problems. Is there any other fish in the tank that could be aggressive? Bacterial infections can attack the fins/skin, and if the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess Lucky's health and work on a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any new fish might have introduced parasites. Good luck.

I am sorry for your loss. Without an exam, it can be difficult to determine the cause of death. Possibilities include constipation, severe swim bladder disease, dropsy (kidney failure), other infection or trauma. If you have other fish in the tank, monitor them for similar symptoms. You should also test the water using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee.

This could be a bacterial or fungal infection. If there are other fish in the tank, trauma cannot be ruled out. if there are other fish, ideally Tiny should be removed to a quarantine or hospital tank for treatment. If not, you can treat Tiny in the main tank. First, confirm adequate water quality. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may offer water testing for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. perform partial water changes, no more than 30% total volume at a time, using conditioned and temperature matched water. Goldfish are cold water fish that do best between 68 and 74 F. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used to reduce stress, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons in a cup or two of two of tank water and gently pour it in. Treat for 10-14 days then perform water changes to reduce salinity. Only treat the amount of water being replaced. More often than not, pristine water quality will allow recovery of minor infections or trauma. If necessary, you can use a broad spectrum antibiotic or all in one product, such as LifeGuard (Tetra) or All In One Remedy (Marineland), to treat the tank. You can find these products in the Aquarium section of the local Petco or online. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Gummy. Not sure of biting the tail is normal, especially if chewing to the point of removing part of the tail. Itching or irritation are most likely. Test and correct water quality including pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. These can be dermal irritants. Bacterial or parasitic concerns, spinal problems (scoliosis due to vitamin C deficiency) are also common and a veterinary visit would be needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.