Orange Guppy Turning Black

[Invalidname]

Long time reader first time writer.
Our orange male guppy is turning black around the tail and top fin.
We had him for about 3 months and this started a month and a half ago.
5 gallon tank. Him and a pal plus a snail. Change 1/3rd the water every week without ever missing. Using Tera easy strips which show no issues with the water. No problems with his tank mate.

 

[mcordelia]

Any changes in behavior? Does he look bloated or skinny? Did you change anything in the tank the past two weeks?

 

[Invalidname]

Any changes in behavior? Does he look bloated or skinny? Did you change anything in the tank the past two weeks?

Looks normal, no changes in behavior, eats normal. He had a battle with Ick when we first got him 3 weeks in but it passed and he has been lively and fine ever since. No changes to the tank. Used Ick Guard for medicine when he got it.

 

[Invalidname]

Other than the discoloring he is perfect.
I was worried it’s something serious I am missing since I tried to find it on forums. Seems each time fish start turning black they die shortly after but he has been this way for a month and a half and looks and acts the best since we got him.

 

[mcordelia]

I wonder if it is just his natural coloration coming in? Many guppies do have black spots on their tail... Is the black a different texture in any way? The fact that it is eating and swimming normally is generally good news

 

[Invalidname]

I wonder if it is just his natural coloration coming in? Many guppies do have black spots on their tail... Is the black a different texture in any way? The fact that it is eating and swimming normally is generally good news

None it looks more like under the scales than over.

 

[mcordelia]

I think the best thing for now would be to continue to observe it, and to watch your water parameters like a hawk. I think your routine of weekly water changes is appropriate as long as your nitrates aren't very high at the end of the week. I would recommend making a new tread if it seems to get worse in any way (if your fish behaves differently or the spot looks worse etc)