Guppies are usually very active fish, so if your female guppy is hiding, something is likely wrong. Guppies hide when they are stressed, sick, injured, or uncomfortable with their tank conditions. They may also hide due to bullying from aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, or fear. If your guppy is hiding, check the toxin levels in your aquarium, as a spike in ammonia levels could be causing ammonia poisoning.
If your female guppy is hiding, it could be due to an improper ratio of males to females. Male guppies are aggressive when it comes to mating and will chase females relentlessly. This can cause females to become stressed and hide away from the males.
Another reason for a female guppy hiding is pregnancy. When preparing to spawn, pregnant female guppies will seek out a more covered area of the aquarium and hide there.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Illness | Sickness, infection, parasites, protruding eyes, distended stomach, clamped or ragged fins |
| Pregnancy | Extended abdomen, V-shaped belly |
| Stress | Aggressive tank mates, poor water conditions, strong water current, overcrowding, lack of space, fear, environmental changes, unfavourable temperature, unstable water parameters, improper male-to-female ratio, heavy traffic near the aquarium |
What You'll Learn
- Illness
- Stress
- Aggressive tank mates
- Pregnancy
- Unfavourable water conditions
Illness
Guppies are generally hardy fish and are not prone to many diseases. However, they can fall sick due to various factors such as stress, improper water conditions, infections caused by parasites, or poor diet.
Guppies are sensitive to their environment and can easily get stressed due to various factors, including aggressive tank mates, an improper male-to-female ratio, the presence of ammonia in the tank, unfavourable temperatures, and the introduction of new guppies to the aquarium. Stress weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Poor water quality, especially high concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia, can cause various illnesses in guppies. Guppies may also get infected by parasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which penetrates the fish through the gills and sticks to the stomach, fins, and gills. Poor water quality can also cause physical damage to the fins and tail, leading to fin rot.
Other common illnesses
Other common guppy illnesses include swim bladder disorder, mouth fungus, velvet disease, popeye, red blood spot, camallanus internal worm, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, scoliosis, tuberculosis, hexamitiasis, gill flukes, dropsy, protozoan illnesses, freshwater fish lice, and anchor worms.
Preventing and treating illnesses
To prevent illnesses, it is important to maintain good water quality, provide a well-rounded diet, and avoid overcrowding. Early detection and intervention are crucial, so it is recommended to separate sick guppies and consult a veterinarian or experienced aquarist at the first sign of illness.
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Stress
Guppies are generally hardy and adaptable fish, but they can still experience stress in certain conditions. One of the most common signs of stress in guppies is hiding behaviour. If your female guppy is hiding, it could be due to several stress-inducing factors.
Firstly, an improper male-to-female ratio can cause stress in female guppies. Male guppies are aggressive in their pursuit of mating, and if there are too many males in the tank, the constant chasing can stress out the females, leading them to hide away. It is recommended to maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females to reduce this stress.
Secondly, aggressive tank mates can also trigger stress in guppies. Guppies are peaceful fish and will try to hide from more aggressive species. If there are incompatible, aggressive fish in the same tank, the female guppy may be feeling threatened or bullied, leading to hiding behaviour.
Additionally, poor water conditions can induce stress in guppies. Guppies require specific water parameters, such as stable water temperature, optimal pH levels, and low ammonia levels. Deviations from these optimal conditions can cause stress, making your female guppy hide.
Other potential causes of stress include transportation or handling, an overcrowded tank, and an unsuitable diet. Guppies may also hide if they are sick or pregnant, so it is important to monitor their health and provide proper care.
To alleviate stress in your female guppy, ensure optimal water conditions, compatible tank mates, and proper male-to-female ratios. Regular tank maintenance, stable water parameters, and a varied diet will also contribute to a healthier and less stressful environment for your guppy.
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Aggressive tank mates
Guppies are peaceful fish, and while they can get along with a wide range of species, they do not fare well with aggressive tank mates. Aggressive tank mates can cause female guppies to hide due to stress.
Guppies are known to nip fins occasionally, so it is best to avoid housing them with long-finned fish. Guppies are also tiny, so they are susceptible to being eaten by larger fish. Therefore, it is important to avoid tank mates that might see them as prey.
Some recommended tank mates for guppies include Corydoras Catfish, Neon Tetras, Mollies, and Dwarf Gouramis. These fish are all small, peaceful, and have similar water parameter requirements to guppies.
When choosing tank mates for guppies, it is important to consider size compatibility, temperament compatibility, water parameters compatibility, dietary needs, and swimming zone preference. Size compatibility ensures that no fish become prey or bullies due to size disparities. Temperament compatibility focuses on mutual non-aggressive behaviours. Water parameters compatibility means selecting fish that thrive under similar water conditions. Dietary needs address shared or non-competing food preferences. Finally, swimming zone preference ensures that fish occupy different tank levels, reducing overcrowding and territorial disputes.
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Pregnancy
Physical Signs
The most obvious physical sign of pregnancy is a bulging belly. The belly will gradually get larger over several weeks and may even take on a boxy or angular shape. However, it's important to note that a swollen belly could also be caused by certain diseases, such as dropsy or swim bladder disease. Therefore, it's crucial to look for other signs of pregnancy or illness.
Another key indicator of pregnancy is the gravid spot, a darkened area of skin just behind the anal fin, where the womb is located. As the pregnancy progresses, the gravid spot will become more prominent and darker, turning almost black by the end of the gestation period. You may even be able to see the eyes of the baby guppies as tiny dots in the gravid spot.
Behavioural Changes
Pregnant guppies may also exhibit behavioural changes. They can become more aggressive, especially towards male guppies who continue to pursue them for mating. This aggression may start with chasing and progress to fin nipping.
As the pregnancy advances, you may notice the female guppy spending more time in one spot in the aquarium, often near the heater, and exhibiting a new aversion to food. She may stop eating altogether or spit out food after eating. This is a sign that she is getting ready to give birth and is seeking a peaceful spot to do so.
Towards the very end of the pregnancy, you may observe involuntary actions such as laboured breathing and body convulsions or contractions.
Gestation Period
The gestation period for guppies is relatively short, typically lasting between 21 and 31 days, with birthing taking place over 2 to 6 hours. However, in rare cases, gestation can last up to 35 days, and birthing may be staggered over several days.
Preparing for Birth
To maximise the survival rate of the baby guppies, it is recommended to move the pregnant female to a separate breeding tank or a breeding box within a larger tank. This will reduce stress for the mother and give the babies a better chance of survival. It's important to provide hiding places for the babies, as even the mother may attempt to eat her young.
Ensure the birthing tank is well-cycled, with a temperature of 77-79°F, and provide a variety of nutritious foods for the mother, such as live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and high-quality flake food.
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Unfavourable water conditions
Guppies are susceptible to unfavourable water conditions due to their small size and peaceful nature. Here are some ways to optimise water conditions to ensure your guppies remain happy and healthy:
Water Temperature
Guppies thrive in warmer water, with an ideal temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). This can be maintained using a reliable aquarium heater and thermometer. Avoid drastic or sudden temperature drops, as this can cause significant health issues.
Water Hardness
Guppies prefer moderately hard water, with an ideal hardness level (dGH) between 8 and 12. The correlation between water hardness and pH is important, as higher water hardness typically leads to higher pH levels.
PH Levels
Guppies prefer slightly alkaline water, with a pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Regularly test the pH levels to ensure they remain within this optimal range.
Water Filtration and Aeration
Use a good-quality filter to remove waste and improve water clarity. For guppies, choose a filter that doesn't produce a strong current, as they prefer calmer waters. While guppies can survive without additional aeration, an aquarium air pump can enhance oxygen levels, especially in overstocked tanks.
Water Changes and Maintenance
Regular water changes are crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your guppies. Aim for partial water changes of 20% to 30% every one to two weeks. Vacuum the substrate and remove any uneaten food or debris to keep the water quality optimal.
Water Toxins
High levels of ammonia in the water can be toxic to guppies, causing ammonia poisoning. If there is a spike in ammonia levels, perform a major water change of 50% to 70% over several days until the levels drop to 0 ppm.
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Frequently asked questions
Female guppies may hide due to an improper ratio of males to females in the tank. Male guppies are aggressive when it comes to mating and will chase females relentlessly. This can cause female guppies to become stressed and hide away from the males.
To avoid female guppies being harassed by male guppies, it is recommended to maintain a ratio of 3:1, i.e., three female guppies for every one male guppy.
Female guppies may hide if they are pregnant or about to give birth. They seek out covered areas of the aquarium to hide in when they are preparing to spawn. Additionally, female guppies may hide due to stress caused by poor water conditions, sudden changes in water temperature, or aggressive tank mates.
To reduce stress and create a safer environment for your female guppy, ensure proper water conditions and stable water parameters. Avoid aggressive tank mates and provide hiding places, such as plants, where they can feel secure and rest.
