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My guppy has red spots on her head. How to treat without quarantine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Female | 25 days old | 5 lbs

Red spots on this female guppy behind her head. I dont know what it is nor what to do, i dont have a quarantine tank, so help

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 2nd, 2018

You can keep her in a small bowl, you will just need to perform daily partial water changes to maintain water quality and chemistry. Use a broad spectrum antibiotic for 10-14 days. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store or Petco. A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) may also help by reducing stress, treating minor infection and aiding in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and treat concurrently with the antibiotics for 10-14 days. Once she has recovered, you can return her to the main tank.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 15th, 2018

    Separate him into a quarantine tank if you can. This will prevent spread in the case of infection and should make any treatment easier. Once the condition resolves, he can be returned to the main tank. Check water quality and chemistry. Poor water quality or imbalances can promote bacterial, fungal or algae growth in the tank or on your fish. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Plain aquarium section (NOT table salt) can be used to treat minor infection. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition. You can also try Melafix along with the salt treatment. If neither work, a broad spectrum antibiotic can be found in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

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