Guppy fish are interesting creatures, and watching them swim around in an aquarium is fascinating. But have you ever wondered if they sleep? Do guppies sleep at the bottom of the tank or do they move around when they slumber? But do you know how to tell if your guppy fish is sleeping?
You can tell your guppy fish is sleeping if its fins are relaxed and it is not moving much. Guppies usually sleep at the bottom or in the midsection of the water with their heads pointing up. Sometimes, guppies may even sleep upside down! If you see your guppy fish sleeping at the bottom of the tank, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal behavior.
Guppy fry, or baby guppies, typically do not sleep as much as adult guppies. This is because they are still growing and need to spend more time swimming around to get exercise. However, if you notice your guppy fry sleeping more than usual, it may indicate something is wrong.
In this blog post, we will discuss how you can tell if your guppy is taking a nap! We will answer all of those questions and more!
Do Guppies Sleep?
Yes, guppies do sleep. They usually sleep during the night or when the tank lights are off. Guppies need around eight hours of sleep every day.
You will often miss the time frame when these guppy fish are sleeping since they are most active when you’re around.
Guppies do sleep, but they don’t have eyelids to close as we do. So, it can get tricky to tell when they’re asleep.
How Can You Tell If Guppy Fish Is Sleeping?
Guppies do sleep, but not like we do. They don’t have eyelids to close, so they kind of just drift off into a light sleep. Sleeping guppies often float near the bottom of the tank or hide in plants.
Okay, now the question is, how can you tell if your guppy fish is sleeping?
Coloration
Observing its coloration and patterns is the easiest way to know if your guppy is sleeping. When they are about to sleep, guppies’ colors will start to fade and become less vibrant.
Their stripes or spots might also become less visible. In addition, their fins will be close to their body, and they will appear to be less active.
Behavior
Another way to know if your guppy is sleeping is by observing its behavior. When tired, these guppies will not move a lot and usually stay in one spot. They might also float upside down or lie on their side at the bottom of the tank.
Observe Their Fins
Observing their fins is the easiest way to tell if your guppy is sleeping. When they are resting, their fins will be relaxed and close to their body.
Breathing
Their breathing will also get slower than usual when they are asleep. So, if you see your guppy fish taking long and deep breaths, it’s probably time for them to nap.
How Much Sleep Do Guppies Need?
This depends on the species of guppy fish that you have. Some guppies may only need a few hours of sleep, while others may need up to 12 hours. Observing its behavior is the best way to determine how much sleep your guppy needs.
But normally, these guppies will sleep for 6 to 8 hours and stay active for the rest for 16 to 18 hours. This is the regular sleeping cycle for most guppy fish.
How To Help Your Guppies Sleep Better?
I know how much you want your guppies to get proper rest, so I’ve put together a little guide on how you can help them sleep better.
Turn Off The Lights And Follow Circadian Cycle
Just like us, guppies need to follow their natural circadian rhythm and sleep when it’s dark outside.
So, make sure to turn off the lights in your guppy tank at night or use a red light bulb that won’t disrupt your sleep. Get an automatic light with a timer to help with this.
You can also try floating a piece of lettuce in their tank, so they have somewhere to hide if they feel like they’re being watched.
Get A Tank Mate That Won’t Bother Them
If you have a guppy constantly bothering your other fish or won’t leave them alone, it might be time to get them a tank mate.
Plenty of peaceful fish out there would love to share a tank with your guppy. Do your research and ensure they are compatible before adding anything new to your tank.
Give Them A Stress-Free Environment
One of the main reasons guppies don’t sleep well is because they’re stressed out. So, try to create a calm and relaxing environment for them.
This means no sudden movements or loud noises near their tank. Also, ensure their water is clean, and the temperature is stable. If everything is good with their tank, then they should be able to sleep peacefully.
Guppies will often sleep in the mid of the tank, so make sure there are plenty of hiding spots. You can also add some live plants or driftwood for them to hide behind if they’re feeling shy.
Don’t Overcrowd Their Tank
I know it’s tempting to want to put as many fish in your tank as possible, but it’s important to remember that guppies need their space.
An overcrowded tank can be stressful for guppy fish and make it difficult to find a comfortable place to sleep. So, ensure you’re only putting as many guppies in your tank as it can comfortably hold.
Clean Their Tank Regularly
A clean tank is a happy tank that goes for all the fish, not just the guppies.
But it’s especially important for them because they’re such sensitive creatures. So, make sure to do a partial water change at least once a week and vacuum the gravel to eliminate any waste.
The Right Temperature For Guppies
Make sure their tank is at the right temperature. Guppies like to sleep in around 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit water. They will wake up and feel uncomfortable if the water is too cold.
How Do You Know If Your Guppy Fish Is Sleeping Or Dead?
The best way to tell if your guppy fish is sleeping or dead is to look at its gills. If the guppy’s gills are moving, then it is still alive and just sleeping. If the guppies’ gills are not moving, they are unfortunately dead.
Another way to tell if a guppy is sleeping or dead is by its color. If the guppy is still a bright color, then it is probably just sleeping. If the guppy’s color has faded, then it is most likely dead.
You can always try to poke the guppy to see if it responds gently. If the guppy doesn’t respond and its gills are not moving, then, unfortunately, it is dead.
If you are still unsure if your guppy is sleeping or dead, the best thing to do is to contact a vet. They will help you determine if your guppy is truly dead or just sleeping.
Do Guppies Sleep Upside Down?
Sometimes you may notice your guppy fish swimming upside down and wonder if this means it is sleeping.
No, guppies do not sleep upside down. However, they might lie on their side at the bottom of the tank when they are resting.
Usually, when a guppy swims upside down it is just a sign that it is sick. If you see your guppy swimming upside down, it is likely because of a swim bladder disorder.
This is a condition that affects the guppy’s ability to swim properly. If you think your guppy has a swim bladder disorder, the best thing to do is to take it to the vet.
Do Guppies Move When They Sleep?
Yes, but slow and steady movements. As we mentioned earlier, guppies do not sleep like humans. Instead of closing their eyes and lying still, they will swim slowly and make gentle movements.
You might see your guppy swimming in circles or gently flicking its fins. These are all signs that your guppy is asleep.
Guppies do not move much when they sleep, but they may occasionally twitch their tails or fins. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Do Guppy Fry Sleep?
Yes, Guppy fry does sleep. In fact, they need sleep just like any other animal. They usually sleep close to the bottom of the tank, which is darker and quieter.
If you see your Guppy fry sleeping at the bottom of the tank, don’t worry, this is normal behavior. But they won’t sleep as much as adults since they are still growing and need more energy.
And they do not move when they sleep. They will usually float in one spot or stay close to the bottom of the tank.
If you see your guppy fry moving around a lot while sleeping, this could be a sign of stress, and you should check the water quality in your tank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to tell if a guppy is sleeping or dead. The best way to tell is by looking at its gills and color. If the guppy’s gills are moving and it is still a bright color, then it is probably just sleeping.
If you are still unsure, the best thing to do is to contact a vet. They will help you determine if your guppy is truly dead or just sleeping.
Do you have any questions about guppies? Let us know in the comments below!
I hope these tips help you get your guppies some much-needed rest. Sweet dreams, little fish! Until next time, take care and happy fish keeping! 🙂