Swim Bladder?

[sakaspuds]

i have noticed over the last 2 or 3 days my blood parrot has started struggling to swim, it seems to swim downwards hard then float back to the top like it isnt heavy enough to stay under the water like normal, i fear its days are numbered? or is there anything i can do to fix this problem?

 

[WILDER]

Can the fish maintain its balance in the water, what does it look like when the fish goes to the toilet, what do you feed the fish, is it bloated, could also be constipation try some shelled peas and frozen daphnia.
Also what are your water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph.

 

[sakaspuds]

everything reads normal, i have not changed any foods, the fish is otherwise fine, normal size and shapei will try the food you suggest, although i bet my oscar will eat it all, thanks for the reply

 

[WILDER]

Good luck, to many dried foods can cause swim bladder and constipation.

 

[sakaspuds]

and it seems to hang near the top of the waterline head downwards if that helps, it tries to swim down to the bottom untill it gets tired, then floats back to the top, it doesnt seem to be 'ill' as such, thats what makes me think its the swim bladder, a friend at work suggested lead shot in its food, i have never heard of such a thing and i dont think it would work...

i normally feed bloodworms (frozen) as a treat every other day, quality flake food small amounts twice a day, and mushed up prawns once a day, all my fish tend to eat it, and some plec wafers and some sinking catfish pellets at night

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like swim bladder once fish start headstanding the outcome is dim i afraid, never heard of the lead shot sorry, is the fish heavy breathing as well.

Headstanding, laying flat
Water quality problems, drug side effects, swimbladder infection, intestinal obstruction, late stage of infectious diseases

 

[sakaspuds]

i have placed it in a fry net, with some peas, time will tell i guess thanks for the help

 

[WILDER]

Ok good luck.