My goldfish keeps swimming on his back a lot?

Question

do you think it's sick? It isn't dead because when I feed it or go to the tank it rolls over and takes off. What's up?

Answer 1

Goldfish have a "swim bladder" and sometimes when they are old or sick they begin that floating, or swim upside down..this could be a bacterial infection. Get aquarium salt (DO NOT use table salt)...follow the directions to treat your fish..ask questions...pet smart has this and the people who work there know fish, and will be able to help you with this problem.

Answer 2

Dear Kiki:

One common cause of swimming trouble is constipation. When a fish is constipated, gasses can build up inside the fish's stomach or intestines, and these cause the fish to lose equilibrium. If this is the cause, a change in diet to fare including more variety and roughage (live foods or tubifex are good) may solve the problem. Another alternative which works very well is feeding boiled peas (remove the skins before feeding).

Sometimes, a loss of equilibrium is brought on by more serious causes, such as internal parasites attacking the swim-bladder, serious bacterial infections, abrupt temperature changes, cancer, or tuberculosis.

If you are unable to correct the problem, a vet or pet expert should be contacted. Isolating the fish to a quarantine tank in which the water is shallow is a wise thing to do until the cause can be determined. The shallow water also provides relief for the fish. The fish may be treated in the quarantine tank by adding one teaspoon of salt (sea salt from your petstore is best) per gallon of water. After 1 to 2 weeks, a return to deeper water may be attempted.

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Answer 3

That is really weird, I have never heard of that. Maybe it's getting old, or dying? Or could it be just playing dead? Teach it to fetch! XD

Answer 4

swim bladder. agree with first 2 peple

Answer 5

yup it's sick and the disease is called swimbladder which is VERY common to goldfish!

swim bladder happens when the fish has been overfeed and can not digest it's food!

CURES:

it CAN be cured but doesn't always work!

I have tried pet store meds and haven't have much luck so I would suggest this natural treatment....

let fast for 1 day

next day feed one mashed up de shelled boiled pea!

also I have heard of taking the fish to the vet and they can drain the swim bladder but I have never taken a fish to the vet because it seems a little unreasonable lol