Possible Swim Bladder Problem?

[Diz1979]

Hello all,

Just wondered if anyone might have come across a problem as i did a couple of days ago with a Black Ruby Barb. I have a shoal of 6 BRB's and shortly after feeding one of the males began swimming wildly and out of control, upside down bumping into rocks, etc. I assumed it was a swim bladder problem and that the fish would more than likely be dead the next day. But the following evening it appeared to be back to normal and swimming properly with the others and has been fine ever since. Could it be due to overeating as it happened shortly after feeding? The barbs do tend to eat a lot. I've kept fish for many years and never come across an incident like this. The fish had been fed frozen bloodworm (thawed before feeding)

 

[rdd1952]

The symptoms of constipation are very similar to swim bladder. It's quite possible that was the problem. Usually, that requires feeding them a cooked pea with the skin removed. Sounds like it cleared on it's own.

One thing about bloodworms. They are very high in protein (hard to digest) so you should only feed them once or twice a week, more as a teat rather than the normal food. Otherwise, they can lead to constipation issues.