my fish upside down and is still alive.what should i do?help?

Question

sorry i mean help!

Answer 1

You can try a water change, that might help revive it a bit.

But I'm sorry to say that if the fish is already floating on its back it's probably beyond help.

It may be better for you and the fish both to just put it out of its misery. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to wrap the fish in a paper towel and whack it in the head with a heavy object. I know this sounds cruel but it really is the fastest, and most humane way.

Good luck.
E.

Answer 2

What kind of fish is it?

What are your water quality readings? To be more specific to help need more info.

If you have a gold fish, chances are it is lacking oxygen. Try lowering the water level 1/2-1 inch. This will add much needed dissolved O2 to the tank.

Swim Bladder- Swim or air bladder problems sometimes occur in freshwater fish. I have personally seen this is fancy goldfish such as Orandas, Ryunkins, and Shubunkins. When the bladder is effected, the fish will experience equilibrium problems. Sometimes, the problem is not the bladder but other problems which directly affect the bladder. Diseased and inflamed internal organs, improper water conditions or nutrition, and wounds received from fighting with another fish can also effect the equilibrium of the fish. Constipation is also known to affect a fish's swimming ability! Symptoms: The fish has problems swimming correctly. They may appear to be standing on their head, or floating to the surface and struggling to go down to the bottom, or possibly even have problems removing themselves from the bottom. At the later stages of the disease, the fish could lose its balance and swim upside down. Feeding your fish green veggies like peas, cukes lettuce will help clear this problem up. that is to say he will still eat.

Also, be sure the ammonia and nitrate levels are within range. You may also need to do a 20-25% water change to correct this.

Also, check the temperature in the tank.

Answer 3

Here's what I'd do. Stop feeding for a few days and see if the fish rights itself. If it does then its the food. I believe rancid or old food causes gas in the gut causing the fish to flip. Get new food if your food is over a month old. If the fish does not right itself after fasting it could be high nitrates, in that case do a large (50%+) water change. High nitrates is over 40ppm. The very last thing I would suspect if you have low nitrates and the fish doesn't come down after fasting is swim bladder disease. Then I'd get some good anti-biotic food.
It usually turns out to be the food. Try substituting frozen brine shrimp for a few days. Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

I've had fish that have experienced the same problem. It probably has a chronic swim bladder disorder, which causes it the inability to remain right side up. Sadly, if your fish is unable to right itself by now, it may be time to take a trip to the almighty porcelain god.

Answer 5

Like all before me said it is a swim bladder disease. It varies on how long a fish will live with this.

And by the way the most humane way to put down a sick fish is to put him in a glass of club soda and then put it in the freezer. The CO2 in the club soda will make it so he can't breath but won't hurt him. It as humane as killing a fish can be.

Answer 6

this is "Swim Bladder Disease" and it makes it to where they cant control depth and level of their swimming. They often swim upside down at the top. It could also be an upside down catfish. Feed it crackers, crushed. That is the only cure that has worked for me.

Answer 7

My goldfish swam upright and upside down for over 3 months before he died. I didn't treat him because I had no idea of what to do and it sounds like nothing is the best answer.

He has "swim-bladder trouble". Go to http://www.petlibrary.com/goldfish/swim.htm for more information.

Hopefully, your fish is just constipated. Unfortunately I doubt you'll be able to save him/her.

Answer 8

I had a fish like that, he'd swim normally then fip onto his back and float up. he actually lived for about 1 year like that. it's probably caused by air in his belly. you could get some food to help with that( I think )

Answer 9

its sick, and means the fish is going to die within a week at the most. my fish "shiny" pulled this off for a day or two. then we gave him the 21 flush salute

Answer 10

I think it is going to die soon, but try swishing around and make bubbles because of it's boyance to stay balanced is messed up, that's what happened to my aunts fish. I hope this helps and I hope your fish doesn't die!