Dwarf Gourami - Swim Bladder

[LilMuppet]

He lives in a community tank and has been fine since we got him. This morning when I looked at the fish he was swimming side ways but with his head pointing to the surface and still at the top level of the tank (I guess he hasn't had it very long). I thought nothing of it at first as he has done that quite often when underneath our net breeder to see if he can get to anything. I've raised the temperature a bit by keeping both lights on when I'd normally turn one off to keep the temperature constant through the hottest part of the day (its quite hot here at the moment). I've also given the fish some blood worms. Apart from the way he is swimming he looks fine, his colours are bright.

Typically it has happened when I can't just go and get some treatment (parents away) so is there anything else I can do? I know it is very uncommon for fish to survive.

 

[SouthernCross]

I read constipation is one cause of swim bladder problems. Try feeding him some deshelled cooked peas, it cleans them right out. I'd suggest posting to the emergency forum too if you haven't done so already.

 

[LilMuppet]

Ok, I'll give it a go, I assume it'll be fine if any of the other fish eat them too?

 

[SouthernCross]

Oh absolutely, it's good for all of them. Most people will recommend you give them some every now and again, regardless if they're sick or not. Kinda as a preventative constipation measure . Not to mention they seem to love it too.

Good luck!