I have a freshwater fish (not a betta or goldfish) I am not really sure what kind of fish but he lives in a 25 gallon tank w/ a few other kind of fish and he is the only one that is flipping upside down and swimming sideways. I noticed about a month ago that he lost one of his eyes...now i dont think that has to do w/ his unusual behavior but im not sure...and about 2 weeks ago he started his unusual swimming. He got better for a few days but now I think hes worst than he was before. I thought it might have been swim bladder disease but he does not have a swollen tummy. I would really appreciate if someone could help me cuz I really dont want him to die :( Thanks!
2007-02-01 09:46:10 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
It's always difficult to diagnose a fish ailment without seeing the afflicted fish, but here goes. You describe some sort of internal bacterial disease, more than likely. A swim bladder ailment wouldn't necessarily be visible (often fish with this disease do have a bloated appearance, but not always). The only effective way to treat for an internal bacterial disease is to feed your fish medicated food (freshwater fish don't "drink" water as saltwater fish do, which is why putting medication in the water doesn't usually help anything). This is a difficult thing, because medicated food isn't sold in many places. There's a gel food I tried, and it was difficult to get my fish to eat it. I eventually found Jungle-brand medicated food (for bacterial infections), and it was something the fish would eat. Be aware, however, that with the length of time that your fish has exhibited these symptoms, there probably isn't much hope for him/her, but you never know. Also, make sure you're changing 25% or so of the water every couple of weeks and vacuuming the gravel (not just replacing what evaporates). Declining water quality most often is the biggest reason for bacterial diseases in tropical fish (be aware also that clear water isn't necessarily healthy; the toxins that can make fish ill aren't necessarily visible). Hope this helps, and good luck!
2007-02-01 10:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by RobL 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your fish lost an eye a month ago and is still alive, it probably means another fish is bullying. If a disease took the eye, the fish would probably be gone by now.
If you can, isolate the side swimmer and keep observing. If other symptoms occur, there are treatments available at fish stores. I'm sorry to say that once they've had disease type problems this long they seldom recover, although, if it was a bullyer, the side swimmer might be ok if kept to itself.
There is one other possible cause for this. Your fish might have a case of old age which happens to every living thing.
2007-02-01 10:22:37 · answer #2 · answered by elden w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the fish out of the tank and maybe put him in a separate one. Maybe your other fish are bullying him. I had 2 goldfish and they kept attacking each other...like biting at the fins and eating it.....=/ I don't really want to say this, but I think your fish might die. My fish swam around like that for a couple or days...close to a week or something and eventually just kind of died. Go to the petshop or place where you got him and ask about your fish's problem.
2007-02-01 09:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think it would be a swim bladder problem or something else internal. Possibly get some antibacterial medicated food if the fish is still eating.
2007-02-01 12:22:16 · answer #4 · answered by cichlid gal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i were you i would put him in a tank by himself so if he is sick, he doesn't get the other fish sick. and most likely the fish is constipated. Mine did that, but however the fish may be dieing. I hope its just constipation but I wouldn't take a chance by leaving it with the other fish. Try going to the fish store and buying food that is easier for the fish to digest.
PS vote me as best because i probab;y will at least be ableto save your other fish.
2007-02-01 10:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by GirlyGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the water parameters, or a bacterial infection due to the lost eye, lots of things could make him swim funny. Can you describe the fish so we can possibly guess what it is?
2007-02-01 10:01:15 · answer #6 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to your vet, but is sounds like your fish has a problem called 'swim bladder'
Go here for more info:
article.dphnet.com/cat-02/swimblader.shtm
2007-02-01 09:51:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you knew what kind of fish it was it could really help. Other than that it just sounds like he's on his way out.
Some fish swim upsidedown
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Synodontis_nigriventris.php
2007-02-01 09:54:28 · answer #8 · answered by joey m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
His eye is missing because the other fish (most likely larger) are STARVING! Feed them! If you can't, put them out of their missery and flush them down the sh1tter!
Buy yourself a pet rock!
2007-02-01 10:04:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
sorry.... better get rid of him before he spreads whatever problem he has to others.... :-(
2007-02-01 09:49:07 · answer #10 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋