Why Is Guppy Fish Swimming Against The Glass?

Ever since I became a guppy fish enthusiast, I’ve noticed a peculiar behavior exhibited by these vibrant little creatures, which had me perplexed for quite some time. Intrigued by their mysterious habit of swimming against the glass of their aquarium, I embarked on a quest to unravel the reasons behind this fascinating phenomenon.

by Fabian

Updated: April 25, 2023 / 11 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Join me as I explore the captivating world of guppy fish and dive deep into the various factors that contribute to their unique swimming pattern.

Glass Surfing in Guppies: Caused by Stress

Who knew that even guppy fish could experience stress? It turns out that one of the primary reasons for them swimming against the glass, also known as “glass surfing”, is due to stress.

Just like humans, guppies are susceptible to environmental factors that can impact their well-being. Factors such as sudden changes in water temperature, improper water conditions, or an overcrowded tank can lead to significant distress, causing them to exhibit this unusual behavior.

Further enhancing the dilemma is that stress in guppies can also stem from social interactions – inadequate hiding spots or aggressive tank mates can make guppies feel rather vulnerable. As they seek refuge from these stressors, swimming against the glass becomes an instinctive coping mechanism.

So, if you happen to notice your guppies frequently glass surfing, make it a point to assess their living conditions and make any necessary adjustments to ensure their stress levels are minimized.

Reasons Guppies Become Stressed

Stress in guppies, as with any other living beings, can originate from various factors. Identifying the root cause is essential in ensuring a healthy and stress-free lifestyle for these delightful fish. Some common sources of stress in guppies include:

• Water Quality: Guppies thrive in clean and stable water conditions. A sudden shift in parameters like pH levels, ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate can cause significant stress, potentially leading to illness or even death.
• Water Temperature: A drastic change in water temperature due to improper heating or a lack of it can be extremely uncomfortable and stressful for guppies.
• Overcrowded Tank: A cramped swimming space can cause tension, competition, and conflict among fish, resulting in heightened stress levels.
• Lack of Hiding Spots: Providing enough plants and decorations, which act as hiding spots, is crucial in offering guppies a sense of security and reducing their stress.
• Incompatible Tankmates: Guppies typically are peaceful creatures and can get stressed when introduced to aggressive fish. Keeping them with suitable tank mates creates a harmonious environment without unnecessary stress.
• Poor Diet: A diet lacking proper nutrition can compromise a guppy’s immune system, making them susceptible to stress, disease, and a shortened lifespan.

As a responsible guppy owner, it’s essential to understand these potential stress factors and proactively make necessary adjustments so that our beloved fish have the most comfortable and healthy environment in which to thrive.

1. Bad Water Parameters

Water quality plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy environment for your guppy fish. When the water parameters are not within the appropriate range, it can result in a host of problems, including stress-induced glass surfing. Here are some important aspects to consider when ensuring optimal water conditions:

• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Guppies are sensitive to elevated levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Regular monitoring and managing these levels through water changes and efficient biological filtration can help maintain a healthy environment.
• pH Levels: Guppies prefer a pH range of 6.8 to 7.6, with slight deviations being acceptable. Consistent fluctuations or levels outside of this range can cause stress, making it vital to test and adjust the pH periodically.
• Hardness and Alkalinity: Guppies thrive in moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 8-15° and carbonate hardness (KH) between 3-6°. Utilizing mineral supplements and monitoring hardness levels can help prevent adverse conditions for your guppies.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Tap water often contains these harmful chemicals, which can lead to stress, illness, and death in fish. Using water conditioners to neutralize such substances is highly recommended.

Keeping a watchful eye on water parameters is essential in preventing stress-related issues. Pay close attention, take the appropriate steps to maintain ideal conditions, and enjoy watching your guppies living a happy, stress-free life.

2. Overstocked Aquarium

An overstocked aquarium, teeming with a multitude of fish, might seem like an exciting sight. However, for your guppies, it can be a nightmare that leads to heightened stress levels and a myriad of health complications. There are several consequences of housing guppies in an overcrowded environment:

• Competition for Food: With limited resources, fights over food are inevitable. This scenario can lead to malnutrition, declining health, and increased stress in guppies.
• Aggression and Territorial Disputes: Overcrowded tanks may trigger territorial instincts, leading to hostile encounters that aggravate stress in guppies.
• Increased Waste Production: More fish equates to more waste, escalating ammonia and nitrite levels, which can harm guppies.
• Reduced Oxygen Levels: Overstocking can result in oxygen depletion, which, coupled with the increased production of carbon dioxide, can cause significant distress for your guppies.

The one inch of fish per gallon of water rule is a helpful guideline to prevent overstocking. However, it’s crucial to factor in the adult size of the fish, the type of fish, and the filtration capacity of the aquarium, to ensure a balanced and comfortable environment.

Offering a less crowded and well-maintained living space will reward you with happier, healthier, and less stressed guppy fish, letting you enjoy their tranquil beauty without any guilt.

3. Diseases or Parasites

A considerable factor contributing to stress in guppies is the presence of diseases and parasites. An unhealthy aquatic environment or the introduction of infected fish can lead to the spread of various illnesses and external parasites. Some of the most common afflictions affecting guppies include:

• Ich (White Spot Disease): This parasitic infection appears as tiny white spots covering your guppy’s body or fins. It is highly contagious and can make your guppy feel quite uncomfortable.
• Fin Rot: This bacterial infection causes fraying and rotting of guppy fins. Stress caused by poor water quality, overcrowding, or aggression may contribute to the development of fin rot.
• Gill Flukes: These parasites attach themselves to the gills and skin of your guppy, impeding their ability to breathe properly.
• Internal Parasites: Guppies may inadvertently consume these parasites through contaminated food, causing weight loss, lethargy, and general discomfort.

It’s crucial for guppy keepers to keep an eye out for any signs of illness or parasitic infections. Early detection and timely intervention can prevent these issues from becoming severe and minimize stress on affected guppies.

Regular water tests, maintaining proper water parameters, and employing a quarantine system for new fish can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and parasites, ensuring your guppy fish live a long and healthy life.

4. Aggressive Tank Mates

Guppy fish are generally peaceful and sociable, making them ideal for community tanks. However, introducing aggressive or incompatible species into their environment can be a source of significant stress. Having to share their living space with antagonistic tank mates can cause guppies to feel threatened and anxious, leading to behaviors such as glass surfing.

To maintain a harmonious tank environment and minimize stress, consider the following points when selecting tank mates for your guppies:

• Size Compatibility: Avoid including large or predatory species, which may perceive guppies as a potential meal, inducing fear and anxiety in your guppies.
• Temperament: Steer clear of aggressive or territorial species that will cause unrest in the tank, and instead opt for peaceful, community-oriented fish.
• Fin Nippers: Some fish are notorious for nipping at the delicate fins of guppies, particularly males with their flowing, vibrant tails. Be cautious and avoid housing known fin nippers with your guppies.
• Swimming Zones: Choosing species that occupy varying regions of the tank – top, middle, and bottom – can help minimize competition for space while maintaining a diverse and dynamic community.

By carefully selecting compatible and non-aggressive tank mates for your guppies, you’ll create a tranquil environment that promotes a sense of safety and well-being, significantly reducing the chances of stress-induced behaviors such as glass surfing.

5. Small Aquarium Size

Aquarium size plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of your guppy fish. A small, cramped tank can be incredibly stressful, limiting their ability to explore, interact with their environment, and establish territories. Optimizing tank size for your guppies is essential to alleviate stress and provide them with the space they require to flourish.

To create an appropriate aquatic paradise for your guppies, consider these guidelines:

• Minimum Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is generally regarded as the minimum suitable size for housing guppies, providing the necessary space for them to swim and display their natural behavior.
• Adding More Fish: As a general rule, allocate an additional 2 gallons of water for each new guppy added to the tank, ensuring ample swimming space and reducing territorial disputes.
• Filtration: A larger tank typically requires a more efficient filtration system, as it helps maintain optimal water conditions by facilitating effective biological and mechanical filtration.
• Aquascaping: Incorporating plants and decorations within the tank not only enhances its aesthetics but also offers hiding spots and territory markers for your guppies, encouraging a stress-free environment.

By providing your guppies with a suitably sized and well-designed aquarium, you’ll not only ensure their long-term health and happiness but also vastly reduce the likelihood of them exhibiting stress-induced behavior, such as swimming against the glass.

6. Male to Female Ratio

One aspect that may be easily overlooked when maintaining a guppy tank is the importance of an appropriate male to female ratio. A disproportionate number can cause significant stress, particularly for female guppies, as the relentless pursuit by males looking to breed can take a toll on their health and overall well-being.

To maintain a balanced and thriving guppy community, consider the following recommendations:

• Ratio Suggestion: The ideal male to female ratio for guppies is approximately 1:2 or 1:3 (i.e., one male for every two to three females).
• Separate Tanks (Optional): If you notice your females still struggling with the male’s advances, you might consider separating the sexes into different tanks as an alternative.
• Alternative Male Species: Some guppy enthusiasts introduce a peaceful, non-threatening species similar in appearance to male guppies to help “distract” male guppies and reduce the pressure on the females. However, this approach should be carried out with caution and research, as not all species will be compatible.

A balanced gender ratio in your guppy tank will promote a more harmonious environment, reducing stress and allowing both male and female guppies to engage in natural behaviors without causing undue harm. Your attention to their unique gender dynamics will ensure your guppies enjoy a happier, healthier life.

7. Too Much Light

Light plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy aquarium environment. However, an excessive amount of light can also contribute to stress in guppies, resulting in behaviors such as swimming against the glass. They require a consistent day/night light cycle to regulate their biological clock, with too much light potentially causing overstimulation and increased stress.

To ensure your guppies are not overwhelmed by light, consider implementing these guidelines:

• Lighting Schedule: Maintain a consistent 8-12 hour daily lighting schedule, replicating a natural day/night cycle. A timer can be an extremely useful tool in automating this schedule, ensuring consistency even when you’re not around.
• Dimmable Light Fixtures: In case your tank appears to be excessively bright, explore the option of dimmable light fixtures, which allow you to adjust the light intensity to a suitable level for your guppies.
• Natural Light Exposure: Be mindful of the tank’s placement concerning natural light sources. If placed near a window, sunlight can cause excessive brightness and temperature fluctuations in the tank, adding stress to your guppies’ lives.

Additionally, remember that prolonged light exposure may lead to increased algae growth, making it crucial to strike a balance between light and darkness to create a stress-free sanctuary for your guppy fish. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a calm and visually appealing aquarium, encouraging your guppies to thrive for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the various factors that contribute to guppy fish swimming against the glass allows us to better care for these enchanting companions.

By addressing stressors such as poor water parameters, overcrowding, diseases, parasites, aggressive tank mates, inadequate aquarium size, imbalanced gender ratios, and excessive lighting, we can create an ideal environment for our guppies to thrive, ultimately reducing the likelihood of glass surfing behavior.

Gaining insight into these aspects enables us to provide an enriching and serene habitat that fosters the well-being of our guppy friends, ensuring a bright and colorful underwater world that both they and we can enjoy.