Why is my goldfish floating head down?

Swim bladder disease is when a fish loses its ability to regulate the air going in and out of its swim bladder. This causes the fish to swim strangely, on its side, or even upside down. The job of the swim bladder is to help the goldfish stay stable in the water and control the way in which it floats.

Can goldfish recover from swim bladder?

Although commonly seen in goldfish and bettas, swim bladder disorder can affect virtually any species of fish. The disorder is often treatable, and a fish can experience a full recovery.

Why is my fish facing head down?

The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. When affected by Swim Bladder Disorder fish will often lose the ability to properly swim. They will float uncontrollably to the top of the aquarium, turned upside down, while still being alive.

How long can a fish live with swim bladder disease?

Depending on the cause, swim bladder disorders may be temporary or permanent. If your fish has a permanent swim bladder disorder, they can still live a full and happy life with some lifestyle modifications.

Can you fix swim bladder?

There’s no treatment as such, and if the fish can recover, they will do so given a few hours. Switching the tank lights off for a while often helps, partly by removing one source of stress, but also by encouraging the fish to rest quietly rather than try to swim about.

When should I euthanize my goldfish?

When Disease occurs: The most appropriate time to consider euthanasia, is when a disease occurs. In cases when diseases are highly contagious, or very hard to treat or even untreatable, then the old adage of one bad apple in the barrel, can be synonymous with one sick fish in the tank.

Does Epsom salt cure swim bladder?

Despite its name, Epsom salt doesn’t contain sodium. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many systems of the human body — especially the nerves and muscles. It’s also beneficial to aquarium fish suffering from maladies such as dropsy, constipation, and swim bladder disorder.