Goldfish Swim Bladder Probelm.

[StingrayKid]

A recently had one of my goldfish die after having a broken swim bladder, and I'm afraid its happened to my other one. He seems to be struggling with swimming downward and hes constantly floating upward towards the surface. When he eats he is on his side spinning around eating the flakes. I'm not sure what to do. Should I just let him be and... "ride it out".. or, take action myself and put him down? If so, how should I do it? I know theres many methods and I've seen some arguements about it a while back if a certain ways were cruel. Hes a small goldfish, only a inch to an inch and a half long. I heard just decapating the fish is better than freezing it or putting it in alchohol. I dont know what to do and any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Genesis]

if you are definately sure its swim bladder you should try some swim bladder meds


might be useful to determine whether it is SB: http/www.fishyfarmacy.com/fish_diseases/swim_bladder.html

 

[Fella]

What type of goldfish is it?

 

[StingrayKid]

Its a Ryukin fantail goldfish. Still very young. Hes in a 10 gallon tank for now. 20 gallons as an adult. That is if this problem is solved.

 

[Fella]

Its a Ryukin fantail goldfish. Still very young. Hes in a 10 gallon tank for now. 20 gallons as an adult. That is if this problem is solved.

There are swimbladder meds available, but I'd recommend feeding pellets, or soaking the flakes through. Ryukins are prone to swimbladder disease (their bodies are a weird shape), and trying to make sure they dont take in air when they eat is a great first step to take if you're not doing it already.

Peas are used for constipation in goldfish, but in my experience, some people have great success in treating swim bladder disorder with shelled peas, broken into a mangeable size.

It may be worth preparing for the worst though.

 

[Genesis]

my mum's goldfish had SB, we gave it meds and it was fine, but yeah, i spose pellets may work too, not tried it myself

 

[Fella]

The sinking pellets aren't a cure as such, they're a prevention. They stop the fish from sucking in atmospheric air like they might when they take food off the top.

 

[black angel]

The Ryukin is the worst fish for swimbladder problems. The best thing you can do is not feed flake ever again as this causes too much gas to build up.
Starve him for 3 days then feed with boiled shedd frozen squashed peas for a few days to see if this works.
You might have to make your own gel food to feed him but as long as you avoid food that floats then hopefully it will cure the problem. If not then you may need to look at a deformed airbladder which will need a vet to look at.