Guppy With No Tail...what Now?

[Saf1]

Hi all...newish to keeping fish (had a small tank as a kid) and just found this forum. I'm in need of advice...several days ago discovered one of our guppies swimming upside down at the top of the tank. Did some research and decided it was probably swim bladder and decided to hold food and keep an eye on him. Later found him laying on the bottom of the tank. Looked like he was taking his last breaths. Waited a bit thinking he'd pass within a few minutes. After a while he was still hanging in but the other fish were picking at him. I don't have a hospital tank and I really thought he was actively dying, so I put him in a mason jar full of tank water and continued to wait for nature to take its course. The next morning the little guy was still with us, so I decided to do a small water change on his jar, added a little live plant, and put in a drop of stress coat. On the advice of a more experienced friend I also added a drop of melafix. This morning he is doing so much better! He's moving around the jar and picking at the plant. Problem is he still can't really swim. He's head-down and sort of pitches and rolls around. So now I have a dilemma. His tail fin is pretty much gone from the other fish pecking at him, along with part of his dorsal. I can't tell if this is entirely why he's swimming strangely or if his swim bladder is still a factor. I don't know if it's safe to go ahead and feed him a tiny amount? Will his tail grow back? I know I can't put him back in the main tank until it does...any idea how long it will take? I really didn't expect him to survive and now I don't know what to do with him!

Here's the stats I have:
Temp: 78
pH: 7.8
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Used api freshwater master test kit.
Tank is about 2 months old, 15 gallons
Population: 6 guppies, 3 snails (brown...not sure exact species), 5 live plants

Obviously the mason jar is not a great hospital tank. I'll invest in a real one but need to know how to manage the little guy in the meantime.

Thanks all!

 

[WILDER]

Bless Him. 
Once the tail fins  half gone they rarely make it. I agree it's not sounding to hopeful
for him.
Could try feeding him a cooked pea.
How is he today?
 
What is your tap nitrate reading?

 

[Chad]

I agree with Wilder. Some fin damage will certainly grown back but once it gets to a certain point the damage is done and also a larger wound opens the fish up to bacterial infection. But, I generally find that if a fish is eating there is a chance. If it won't eat then it's too far gone. In the end only you can really decide because observing the fish is a must for diagnosis and we aren't able to really watch it in the same way you are. 
 
Best of luck with it. I'm sorry to hear about the poor little guy. 

 

[Blough]

A Mason jar might get too cold for the little guy. I would suggest buying a breeder/isolation basket for him.

 

[Saf1]

So he's pretty feisty today. Came down this morning and discovered he'd found a way to wedge himself between a leaf on the plant and the side of the jar so he's not laying on the bottom. I tested his water (just some test strips) and he had a detectable nitrite so went ahead and did a 20% water change using the cycled water from my main tank. Added another drop of stress coat and a drop of melafix. I didn't make it to the store for peas today (people doctors' appointments) so took a chance and gave a teeny pinch of flakes. He ate them and is currently sifting the bottom of the jar looking for more. I'm taking it slow and waiting for a poop (I'm a nurse and we get weirdly excited about these things). Right now he's looking ok, so going to keep watching and treating what I can.

I was worried about the temperature in the jar...got him in a warm spot in the house until I can get something more permanent.

I don't know...he's trying. As long as he doesn't seem to be suffering I'll keep trying too. Thanks for your advice all!

 

[NickAu]

Yes if you can get a breeder box and put him back in the big tank, seems the little guy is a fighter, good on you for giving him a chance.

Aqua One Net Breeder 3L Small - Aquarium Separation Box Tank Baby Fry Fish
.

 

[WILDER]

Poor thing. Don't like the sound of the wedging itself in a plant. That also a bad sign.
At least you are trying your best. You will know when to step in.
Good Luck.
Thanks for the up date.

 

[Saf1]

Yeah, so he'd passed away this morning . It was a cold night...whole house felt chilly...so that may have been a factor. I ordered stuff to create a hospital tank so I'll be better prepared next time. Thanks everyone.

 

[WILDER]

Or bless him.

I love guppys but had no luck with them.
Sorry for your loss.
 
It wise to have a hosptial tank. I had one and it was worth it's money.