Guppies are well-loved fish to keep as pets due to their calm temperament and beautiful appearance. They are said to be strong fish that are simple to take care of. However, guppies have a weird habit of disappearing, leaving many guppy owners stumped.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing the habits of your pet and knowing how to remedy common problems they may endure. For guppies, they can disappear or hide due to how small they are. If you encounter this problem with your guppies, there are some important things to know before you panic.
So Why Has Your Guppy Disappeared?
It may be unfathomable that a fish can just disappear, but it is possible. For guppies, it can be common. A few reasons why your guppy may have disappeared could be:
They Passed Away And Got Eaten
It’s sad to think about, but if your guppy passed away, it’s possible that it could have been eaten. If you have shrimp or snails in the tank, they can eat up dead fish pretty quickly. Similarly, other fish sometimes eat dead fish.
They Are Stuck In Your Ornaments
Guppies are pretty small and can hide easily. If you have decorations, be sure to lift them and check in any crevice or hole for your guppy.
They Got Stuck In A Part Of The Tank
Fish can sometimes get into the filter or pump of your tank or aquarium and then get stuck. Unfortunately, this can cause them to die if they aren’t located and removed quickly. Be sure to check these areas thoroughly.
They Were Sick
Guppies are prone to getting ill and catching things like fin and tail rot or other infections. This can cause their body parts to essentially disintegrate.
What Does It Mean If My Guppy Is Hiding?
With guppies being such small fish, it’s quite easy for them to hide. That being said, if your guppy keeps hiding, it could be a sign of something abnormal.
Some reasons your guppy could be hiding include:
They Are Stressed Out
Your guppy could be stressed out for a number of reasons. Guppies mate quickly, meaning your tank can get overcrowded easily. They may also be experiencing aggression from other fish if you have multiple species in one tank. Your guppy could be hiding to get away from everyone else in the tank.
They Are Sick
If your guppy is sick, they might hide more frequently or for longer periods of time. Depending on the reason for them being ill, it’s possible you may not even notice their behavioral change until it’s too late.
They Don’t Like Their Environment
There are a lot of things to know about guppies and what they need to survive. For example, water with chlorine can make them sick and kill them. They also can’t survive in cold water. If they are unhappy with their living conditions, they may be more prone to hiding.
There Is Too Much Light
Guppies love light, but not continuous light. They might hide from the light if they are trying to rest and want a dark space to do so. Be sure to turn off the light sometimes so your guppies can relax.
Finding Your Missing Guppy
As soon as you glance at your aquarium or tank and notice you can’t find your guppy, there are a few things you should do to try and locate them.
Search The Surrounding Area
The first thing you should do once you notice your guppy disappeared is to look around the area surrounding your aquarium. You want to ensure that there is no way it could have escaped the aquarium. Guppies are good jumpers, so it is possible that your guppy has jumped out of the tank, and that’s why you can’t find them.
Search Every Crevice Thoroughly
Guppies are great hiders, so being as thorough as possible with checking every decoration and piece of your aquarium is essential. It is also good to check under any sand or rocks in case they have burrowed themselves at the bottom of the tank.
Test The Water
If a fish has died, there are things that will change in the water to alert you to this. It is essential to keep your water clean since guppies produce a lot of waste. Typically, ammonia levels will rise in the tank if a fish has died recently.
Any fish is a fun pet, but they require work to keep them well. It’s important to ensure that, before getting guppies, you know how to keep their environment clean. It’s also good to know what other types of fish they are compatible with in case you already have others. While you can’t prevent everything, these tips are your best bet to keep your guppy from disappearing.
How To Dispose Of A Dead Guppy?
Unfortunately, like all living creatures, guppies eventually die. When a guppy dies, it’s important to dispose of it properly to prevent any unpleasant odors or health risks. Here are instructions on how to dispose of a dead guppy safely and responsibly:
- Prepare for Disposal
Before disposing of a dead guppy, it’s essential to prepare for the process. You’ll need a few supplies on hand, including gloves, a plastic bag, and a shovel or trowel.
- Remove the Dead Guppy from the Tank
Using your gloves, carefully remove the dead guppy from the tank. If the guppy is floating on the surface, use a small net to scoop it out. If it’s at the bottom of the tank, use your tongs or gloved hand to pick it up gently.
- Place the Dead Guppy in a Plastic Bag
Once you have the dead guppy, place it in a plastic bag. Make sure the bag is securely sealed to prevent any odors from escaping.
- Dispose of the Dead Guppy in the Trash
The best way to dispose of a dead guppy is to throw it in the trash. Double-check that the bag is properly sealed and tied securely. Place the bag in your regular trash can or dumpster. It’s important not to flush the dead guppy down the toilet, as this can cause blockages and other plumbing problems.
- Consider Other Disposal Options
If you’re uncomfortable throwing your dead guppy in the trash, other disposal options are available. Some people choose to bury their dead fish in their backyard. If you decide to bury your guppy, dig at least 18 inches deep to prevent other animals from digging it up. You could also check with your local pet store to see if they have any programs for disposing of dead fish.
Recap
In conclusion, the disappearance of your guppy can mean a few different things. It could be something harmless, like they found a place to hide in your tank and have been unable to find their way back out or have jumped out. However, it could also mean something more serious like illness or death due to water contamination. To ensure that your guppy stays safe and healthy, regularly maintain their tank and look for signs of any health issues.