I have a fish that has been lying on it's side at the bottom of the tank for most of the day. I tried poking him earlier but he hasn't moved.. I know that they go into a catatonic state when sleeping but just getting a little worried about him now. He's not shon any symptoms of illness.
2006-11-28 05:06:49 · 9 answers · asked by The Big H 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
cant see his eyes.. he is a celestial with very protruding eyes but the are hidden by the pirate ship
2006-11-28 05:11:19 · update #1
I'm afraid Bogle - Bogle - Bogle is indeed dead.. thanks for the answers everyone... funeral to be held in the bathroom in 5 mins if anyone would like to join in the ceremony!
2006-11-28 05:20:57 · update #2
That fish definitely sounds dead :( Sorry for your loss!
Anyway, not all fish float when dead. In fact, most sink.
Firstly, fish have a swim bladder which helps them maintain different depths and when the fish dies, it no longer has control over the bladder, and will float on the surface if sufficient air remains in the organ.
Secondly, after death the body's tissues and immune defenses degrade. Bacteria living in the gut (and from the environment too) enter these tissues and take to feasting on everything in site. Most of these bacteria are anaerobes (can't live in the presence of Oxygen). They release gases including CO2, H2, and methane, among others, as they digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from the fish. The entrapment of gas in dead tissues can also cause the fish to float on the surface. That takes time, though, so many dead fish will eventually float.
2006-11-28 05:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fish Float
2016-10-15 06:51:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I've had a few fish, that were at the bottom of the tank, when they died. Never floated to the top.
What causes them to not float, I have no clue. But I've had both floaters and sinkers.
2006-11-28 05:11:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not all dead fish float. If he is asleep he will move if you touch him. Look at the gills for movement- no movement= no life. I have had fish die on the bottom before- If you have movement he may be sick or injured.
2006-11-28 05:10:11 · answer #4 · answered by weebles 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of my fish, none of them floated when dead. If he doesn't move and he's kind of titled over instead of upright, he's dead. Fish can die really suddenly like that.
2006-11-28 05:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by staubfinger 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope, i've actually observed that more dead fish sink than float.
2006-11-28 05:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by GuZZiZZit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to tell if he's dead or not. Are his eyes all cloudy and his gills still?
2006-11-28 05:09:57 · answer #7 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No , mine were stuck in the castle and didn't float. Flounders don't float either.
2006-11-28 05:12:41 · answer #8 · answered by Krissy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-11-28 05:13:53 · answer #9 · answered by rcaines1 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋