Re: Swimbladder Answers
#21
Dear Danilykins,
I don't know if this is in time to help you but I hope it is . I have had trouble with upside down swimming fish over the years particularly with the compressed body fancy goldfish. In all but a few cases it has been my observation that it is feeding related. Those few cases that have not been feeding related have been serious bacterial infections that also show other symptoms along with the upside down swimming. In these cases there are usually red streaks on the fins or sores around the anus or clouding eyes. I was able with limited success to treat these cases with over the counter antibiotics. I felt that the upside down swimming was a collateral result of the infection rather than the primary disorder.
In the other cases ,where the only outward symptom is upside down swimming there is basically one reason for the disorder. I have found that the fish in trouble has swallowed too much air and it's bloated stomach is acting like another (unneeded ) swim bladder. I was usually able to cure this quickly by giving the fish the well know dietary supplement of peas. My fish beg at the top of the tank , when they know that it is feeding time and gulp lots of air. Invariably one of them would be swimming upside down shortly thereafter. I made it a point to feed them a few peas at every feeding as soon as they start begging and since the peas seem to keep them occupied at the bottom of the tank they don't gulp air and I haven't had float problems at all since starting this regimen. I also avoid feeding them any floating food preferring to use sinking pellets . I have found also that the more compressed the fish's body is , the more likely it is that the fish will experience bladder problems. While the breeders are capable of producing the beautiful compressed bodies we love , the internal organs stay much the same size. This leads to problems with the natural venting of the swim bladder at times. I also have a rule that I believe is well known but I will repeat here and that is to never turn out the light after feeding the fish for at least 1 hour.This gives the fish time to digest their meal . If you turn out the light directly after feeding them, they can become lethargic and bloat up, especially if you feed them dry food that tends to swell up in water anyway. For what it is worth , I hope that this info is of use to you. I must give credit to my late good friend, Dr.Robert Birdmin doctor of icthyology for much of the info I have posted here.
Thanks and Good Luck
SirLongfin