Fish Bladder Disorder

Fish bladder disorder, also called swim bladder disorder, is not the end of the world---or the fish. You can correct the condition in a number of ways, depending on the cause behind the disorder. Certain fish, such as fancy goldfish and bettas, are more prone to swim bladder disorder, but it can affect any fish.

  1. Symptoms

    • Fish suffering from swim bladder disorders will swim erratically and start floating around off-kilter. Rather than swimming straight, with their heads facing forward and dorsal fin pointing upwards, fish will bob around sideways or upside down.

    Causes

    • Swim bladder disorders can stem from a few different causes. One reason behind fish bladder disorders is the food. Fish that gulp down dry food too quickly can end up with the food swelling up in the fish's intestine, according to the Fins Actwin website. This swelling makes it impossible for the fish to control its swim bladder. Overfeeding, a dirty tank and an inadequate diet can also cause swim bladder disorder, according to the One World Internet Café website.

    Considerations

    • Problems with a swim bladder could be a side effect of a different, underlying problem, according to Animal World. The site says the fish may be suffering from constipation; tuberculosis or cancer in organs surrounding the swim bladder; a bladder deformity; a massive bacterial or parasitic infection; or inadequate nutrition. It also notes the water temperature could be too cold or constantly changing at a rapid rate.

    Remedies

    • A number of remedies will help swim bladder disorder, depending on the cause behind it. Eating too quickly and constipation can be cured with a change of diet. The Fins Actwin site recommends feeding pre-soaked, soft foods, those with a gel base or green foods such as peas that won't swell up in the intestines. Animal World says to cure constipation with a diet of live food to make sure the fish is eating enough roughage. Keeping the tank clean and regulating the temperature with a heater will take care of a dirty or chilled tank and fluctuating temperatures. Treat bacterial infections and parasites with fish medications, either in the food or added to the water in the tank. A number of types to treat either are available at most pet or aquarium stores.

    Warning

    • If the fish bladder disorder stems from tuberculosis or cancer, you may need to eliminate the fish if it is suffering, says the Animal World website. You can try treating tuberculosis with medication and vitamins for a month, namely vitamin B-6 and kanamycin, adding one drop per 5 gallons of water. Tumors are pretty much untreatable, the site adds.