Guppies, especially fancy males, can have large fins that snag easily. Many people assume fin damage is always fin nipping or disease, but a lot of “mystery fraying” is physical damage from decor. Sharp rocks, rough plastic plants, or abrasive ornaments can tear fins repeatedly. Once fins are damaged, opportunistic infections can move in and make the problem look like illness. The cleanest solution is to prevent the damage in the first place.
Decor that often causes fin damage
- Sharp rocks: jagged edges and fractured stone.
- Rough plastic plants: stiff leaves act like sandpaper on fins.
- Cheap resin ornaments: seams and sharp mould lines.
- Un-sanded driftwood points: splintery tips can snag tails.
Fin-safe choices
- Rounded stones: smooth river-style rock or carefully selected pieces.
- Live plants: soft leaves reduce snag risk and calm fish.
- Quality wood: sand sharp points and choose stable pieces.
A simple “fin safety test”
If you can run a thin fabric or stocking over the surface and it snags, a guppy tail can snag too. It’s a quick test that saves a lot of frustration.
Why it matters for health
Damaged fins don’t just look bad — they create openings for infection and stress the fish. If you want pristine fins, the tank environment needs to be fin-friendly. Pair fin-safe decor with calm tank mates and stable water, and guppy tails stay impressive for much longer.
