My goldfish is sick. He's in a tank alone, which is big enough, and lies on his side and just floats up & down the tank. We've had to turn the filter off because he keeps getting sucked up. No slime, cuts, or anything of the sort. Help?!
2007-05-29 08:15:05 · 7 answers · asked by Rio 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
He may have a swim bladder disorder, which is when they can't swim upright. This is very difficult to cure, but the best bet is to fast him for a day and feed him fresh worms and mashed peas rather than dry floating fish food.
You can usually get live redworms from your pet store.
Also, treat the tank with salt... that helps support the fish's system while he heals. Use salt with no additives, such as kosher salt or rock salt from your grocery store (salt is very cheap).
And go to this website to learn how much to add: http://www.goldfishinfo.com/salt.htm
2007-05-29 08:20:38 · answer #1 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ditto to the first answer on all of the informaiton concerning the possiblity of this being a constipation problem. Odds are good that exactly the problem and that her suggest will have your fish up and swimming around in just a few days.
In case it doesn't, you may be dealing with an actual swim bladder infection. If the constipation treatment diesn't work within a few days I would suggest you treat the fish with a quality antibiotic. Furanace is the best choice for internal infections but if that not available to you you can treat with tetracycline which is available in all better pet shops. Just treat as the package indicates.
MM
2007-05-29 16:22:46 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy fresh fish food. My sister had a fish that developed a permanent disorder because she unknowingly bought a large container of fish food. She only had the one fish so it took a very long time to go through all the food. In the meanwhile, the food lost its nutrients with age. While the fish was getting fed, she was not getting the vitamins and nutrition out of the food that she needed. My sister found out too late. So never buy the large bargain brand of food. Get small amounts so they don't last long.
2007-05-29 16:07:07 · answer #3 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a water change, There may be a lack of oxygen or high ammonia levels,
2007-05-29 15:20:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Change the water
2007-05-29 16:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get some fish medicine for him from the pet store
2007-05-29 15:23:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
put some oxygen and feed him
2007-05-29 15:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by donut 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋