Goldfish Swim Bladder Problems

Fish are very sensitive to their environments and for this reason can become ill frequently. Any change in water quality, pH, temperature or food provided can provoke negative reactions. One reaction to watch for is swim bladder problem. Many times by simply reversing the change, the malady may be cured. It is important, however, to always properly diagnose the fish before taking any remedial measures.

  1. Common Irritations

    • With swim bladder syndrome, the fish may be unable to control its body.

      In goldfish it is not uncommon to see a change in the fish's swimming pattern. This is usually due to swim bladder syndrome. The fish will often struggle to swim upright, and will turn upside down or on its side. This is most common in fancy goldfish.

    The Swim Bladder

    • Floating at an uneven level may be a sign of swim bladder syndrome.

      Fish have a specially developed organ to allow them to regulate their depth. This organ, known as the swim bladder, is located in the middle of the fish's body cavity. It is divided into two equal compartments. The fish will adjust the amount of air on each side so that it can float at any depth. By using the swim bladder to float, it also allows the fish to conserve energy.

    Fancy Goldfish and Swim Bladder Syndrome

    • An elongated body may create a distorted swim bladder.

      Fancy goldfish seem to be more prone to develop swim bladder disorder. This may be due to the distortion in their body shape created by breeding. The elongated body creates a disproportionate swim bladder. Swim bladder syndrome may also be a result of bullying from other fish in the tank. In any case, swim bladder syndrome is not contagious.

    Other Causes

    • If the fish is a female, the cause may be spawn binding. In this case the fish is having difficulty passing the eggs. By ridding the female fish of the eggs, it will remove pressure from the swim bladder. Work your fingers gently down the side of the fish's abdomen to encourage a release. In other cases, swim bladder syndrome might be caused by constipation.

    Cures

    • Make sure to use aquarium salt for salt baths.

      Adjusting the fish's environment is often the best cure. Remove any tank mates that may be bullying the injured fish or change the diet to relieve constipation. If these solutions do not provide results, a salt bath is recommended. Place one tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 10 gallons of water in the tank to stimulate the fish's immune system. This should be done once every other month to maintain health.