White Ring Around the Eye on a Guppy

Like all fish, guppies can develop diseases or health conditions. The symptoms of some of these health conditions may appear as a white ring around the fish's eye. There are several freshwater diseases or conditions that could cause these symptoms. Looking at other symptoms can sometimes help identify the condition, which can lead to swift treatment.

  1. Fungus

    • Different types of fungus are always floating about in an aquarium, no matter how clean it is. Fungus often attacks a fish when the fish is weakened by other problems, such as a bacterial infection or poor water conditions. Fungus often appears as a fluffy white spot or growth on the fish. At the early stages, it could resemble a ring around the fish's eye. In order to treat fungal infections, replace some of the dirty water with clean water often. You can also use an anti-fungal freshwater fish medication.

    Ich

    • Freshwater fish, such as guppies, are often introduced to different types of parasites. Ich, also known as Ick, is one of the most common types of parasites. Ich, also known as white spot, appears as small white spots along the guppy's fins or body, and could look like a white ring around the guppy's eye. Ich can be treated with medications, available at a pet store, which are made specifically for the disease. Because Ich often arises when water conditions are poor, the water temperature should be raised to about 82 degrees for several days, and the water should be kept clean.

    Velvet

    • Another common parasite infection, closely related to Ich, is Velvet. Velvet can appear as white, gray or yellow spots around parts of the fish. Fish with Velvet may also rub against aquarium surfaces, trying to dislodge the parasite. The gills of the guppy may also move faster than normal. There are many medications available at pet supply stores that are specifically designed to kill the Velvet parasite. Many of these medications are also effective against Ich, so if you're not exactly sure which disease your fish has, you can use the same medication to achieve positive results.

    Gyrodactylus

    • Gyrodactylus is another parasitic infection that causes white markings to develop about the body of the fish. This infection is somewhat less common that Ich or Velvet. The spots that Gyrodactylus creates are often smaller or paler than other parasitic or fungal infections. This parasite also irritates the guppy, which can cause the fish to lash about or appear to wriggle through the water. A dip in a hydrogen peroxide solution is one extreme way to cure this disease. The solution should be 50 percent water, 50 percent hydrogen peroxide. Other anti-parasitic fish medications may also work, and are often safer for the guppies.