Swim Bladder Diseases

Swim bladder disease affects the fish's buoyancy, making it difficult to swim. Oftentimes you will find the fish floating on the top of the water or resting on the bottom of the tank. Fortunately, the condition is fairly easy to correct, provided it is not caused by external factors.

  1. Feeding

    • Over-feeding or feeding the fish poor quality food can result in swim bladder disease. If the fish displays signs of swim bladder disease after feedings, it is likely a result of overfeeding or a poor nutrition.

    External Injury

    • Swim bladder disease can result from an external injury such as being dropped or a fight with another fish. Often, if the external injury is severe, the disease will not be curable.

    Birth Defects

    • Swim bladder disease can be a result of a birth defect. This is a rare condition and normally is not curable. However, the condition can be managed. When the disease is genetic, it is normally a result of the breeder having tried to develop a particular trait in the fish.

    Other Diseases

    • Cancer and tuberculosis can result in swim bladder disease when the cancer or tuberculosis is close to the swim bladder.

    Treatment

    • To treat swim bladder disease, stop feeding the fish for a few days, then feed him peas. This should correct the condition.