Feeder gold fish floating on side?

Question

I have a feeder gold fish thats floating on its side. The fish is not dead, it eats and will swim like regular, but after a few minutes it floats on its side. It has done this since I bought it 2 weeks ago.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, feeder goldfish don't usually make very hardy pets. Feeders are bred as food for larger predatory fish and as such, there is not a lot of care taken in raising them and transporting them to the stores. They're often horribly overcrowded and disease infested by the time they get to the store. There may not be much you can do to save your little friend.

If he does not make it, you may want to think about replacing him with a goldfish that is sold as a pet not a feeder. It may cost a couple of dollars verses a couple of cents for the feeder, but it will be worth it.

Answer 2

sounds like it is sick, maybe a swimmbladder disorder
Here is a site that explains it
http://www.texaskoi.com/Articles/goldfish_floating_problems.htm
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/disease.html


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB