If your goldfish swims sideways or even upside down, they may be suffering from a swim bladder disorder. In fact, it is the swim bladder that allows these fish to float. If your pet suffers from constipation, has enlarged organs or an infection, know that these are all factors that can block the normal function of the swim bladder. In many cases, this problem can be solved by making changes in his diet or cleaning the tank. Usually the most affected are goldfish of the “lion's head” variety.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Symptoms
Step 1. Look for the characteristic symptoms of this dysfunction
The swim bladder normally swells to help the fish float, but if a problem arises, this function is compromised. Regardless of the cause of the disorder, the symptoms are generally the same. When you see that your fish is upside down, do not immediately assume that it is dead; if you notice that you are still breathing, it most likely means you have a swim bladder disorder. Listed below are the main symptoms you need to look for:
- The fish floats on the surface upside down.
- The fish remains at the bottom of the tank.
- Swim with the tail higher than the head (note that this position is normal for some species).
- His belly is swollen.
Step 2. Know which fish are most likely to be hit
Goldfish, especially lionheads and bettas, are the most susceptible to this disease. In fact, these varieties tend to have a rounder and shorter body, which can more easily affect the internal organs which in turn press against the swim bladder and compromise its correct functioning.
- If you have a goldfish of these varieties, keep it closely monitored to see if it exhibits symptoms of this problem. If left untreated, the condition of the swim bladder can even lead to death.
- Natural varieties of goldfish with longer bodies are less prone to this disorder, as their organs are not too compressed inside.
Step 3. Know the cause of this problem
If the fish's tiny organs become enlarged, they can press against the swim bladder and cause it to malfunction. The stomach, intestines and liver can easily enlarge due to the animal's eating habits. Any of the following causes can be responsible for this disorder:
- He ingests too much air while eating, causing an enlarged stomach.
- Eat low-quality or air-filled food, which causes intestinal constipation.
- He eats too much, resulting in fatty deposits that enlarge the liver.
- Cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to swell.
- An internal organ is deformed.
Step 4. Look for signs of infection
Sometimes the swim bladder disease is a symptom of infection and you will not be able to solve it by changing your eating habits. If you suspect that the fish has an infection, it is important to subject it to the treatment separately from other specimens, to avoid contagion.
- If he has an infection, he tends to keep his fins locked against the body, he shivers and does not show appetite, in addition to the other typical symptoms of swim bladder disorder.
- First, start cleaning the tank to reduce bacteria levels; in many cases, this simple action is enough to kill the germs that are causing the infection.
- If symptoms persist, consider treating the fish with a broad-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the disease. You can find the drug at all pet stores, generally in drops to be added to aquarium water or in medicated food flakes. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to risk overdosing.
Part 2 of 3: Treatment
Step 1. Increase the water temperature
If the water in the tank is too cold, this can slow down digestion and cause constipation in the fish. While you are treating it, make sure to keep the water temperature between 21 and 26.7 ° C to help it digest quickly.
Step 2. Leave the fish on an empty stomach for three days
Since this condition is often caused by eating problems, start the treatment by leaving him without food for three days. When fish overeat, internal organs swell, negatively affecting the swim bladder. Fasting allows the fish to digest the food it has already eaten, facilitating the return to normal size of the stomach, intestines and other organs involved.
- A three-day fast shouldn't compromise the health of the fish. In any case, go no further.
- During these three days, observe the fish to see if the problem is reduced. If you still have symptoms, follow the next step.
Step 3. Make him some cooked peas
These legumes are high in fiber, as well as being dense, and can help relieve a fish's constipation problems. Buy a box of frozen peas and cook them until soft (either in the microwave or on the stove). Remove the peel of a pea and release some in the water to feed the fish. Don't give him more than 1-2 peas a day.
- Don't overcook the peas; if they become too mushy they flake and melt before the fish can eat them.
- When fish eat flake food, they often ingest too much air, resulting in indigestion and swelling of internal organs. Giving the fish dense peas helps reduce this problem.
Step 4. Feed it with your hands if necessary
If you drop a few peas into the water, they are usually dense enough to fall to the bottom of the tank. But if the fish suffers from swim bladder disorder, it cannot swim down to reach food. In this case, hold the pea close to the surface with your hand and wait for the fish to be close enough to eat it.
- Optionally, you can also stick the pea on a toothpick and place it next to the fish.
- An effective solution is also to reduce the water level so that the fish can reach the peas.
Step 5. Monitor the fish symptoms
After a few days of diet based on peas only, its digestion should begin to return to normal and the animal should resume swimming normally without any other difficulties. At this point you can resume giving him the usual food.
If symptoms persist, the fish may have an incurable problem, such as an organ deformity or internal damage. Wait a couple of days to see if the swim bladder disorder goes away. If you notice that he does not regain the ability to swim and eat properly, the most humane solution could be euthanasia
Part 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Wet the food before feeding it to the fish
Flaked food floats on the surface, and when the fish takes a bite of it, it also ingests air. In this way the organs enlarge, resulting in the swim bladder disturbance, as we have already seen. Try to soak the food for a while before placing it in the aquarium, so that it sinks into the water, allowing the fish to eat it without swallowing air.
- There is also fish food on the market that automatically falls to the bottom of the tank without having to soak it in advance.
- If you feed fish exclusively with flakes or pelleted feeds, make sure they are rich in nutrients and completely thawed before adding them to the tank.
Step 2. Don't feed him too much
Too much food causes constipation in fish, with consequent enlargement of the stomach, intestines and, therefore, with the risk of a possible affection of the swim bladder. Fish should only be fed a minimal amount of food once a day. Even if he always seems hungry, a small dose is actually enough to stay healthy.
Step 3. Keep the aquarium clean
If it is dirty it carries bacteria and parasites, worsening the symptoms in the fish and sometimes causing even serious infections. Make sure you clean the tank often, so that the animal always remains in clean water and does not swim in the dirt.
- Use a water test kit to check its pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels. Changing the water does not guarantee adequate levels for its health, especially if you have never analyzed the water since you created your aquarium. Goldfish prefer a pH of 7.2-7.6, with as little ammonia as possible and a nitrate level between 0.25ppm.
- Try adding salt to the tub, if you have prepared it with fresh water. Aquarium specific salt is great for helping fight disease and strengthen the goldfish's immune system.
Step 4. Maintain adequate water temperature
Check it every now and then to make sure it is always around 21 ° C. Goldfish suffer in cold water; if you keep them at lower temperatures you can strain their vital system and slow down digestion.
Advice
- If you regularly feed flaked fish or pelleted fish, soak them in water for 5-15 minutes before placing them in the tank. Often numerous air pockets are created during the production of these foods which, when in excess, can become trapped in your finned friend's digestive system.
- A goldfish can show these symptoms as a reaction to aggression by other specimens present in the same aquarium. Eventually put the diseased fish in a "hospital" tank to see if it heals.
