What is swim bladder disease? (in fish)

Question

I asked a question about my fish, did some research and many people said they think it's swim bladder and i should take it to a pet store to get medication. What will I need to get and how uch will the meds cost?

Answer 1

Avoid swimbladder meds, they are just anti-internal bacterial medications anyway, unless your fish is definitely infected with an internal bacteria which causing a problem with its swimbladder, these meds will NOT cure him.

Internal bacteria, internal parasites, genetic deformity, overfeeding/constipation and water quality issues are all causes of problems with the swim bladder. You will first need to work out which is the most likely problem with your fish. Its usually constipation which is aided by feeding the fish laxative of cooked de shelled pea and then not feeding for several days.

Answer 2

...what catxcatx (just kidding catxcatx) was 'trying to say' (n big easy to read, human words) is to 'feed the fish soft, mushy green peas, shell removed, for a couple of days'

....that acts as a laxative for the fish

....then the issue should improve

...avoiding meds is much better than pouring chems in the tank if that can be avoided

...'swim bladder disease' maybe viral or it might be a birth defect...however, if not viral, then surely digestive

...therefore the peas...can be frozen peas chopped in to tiny pieces, or thawed and mashed

.....if the 'green peas' don't work in 24 - 36 hours, write again

...this should work out the condition

....also double check the water parameters and begin 10% water changes daily for a week, while feeding the peas

...the two should clear up the problem

Answer 3

Don't give him meds!

Shelled peas, as the others have said, is the best way - if your fish is a goldfish or other salt-tolerant fish, some aquarium salt in the water (follow the package directions for treating a sick fish) will help too - salt is an electrolyte that some fish naturally need in small dosages

Answer 4

a swim bladder help the fish swim

Answer 5

Swim bladder is not caused by an internal infection or parasites not even from over feeding (this is bloat different problem).

Swim bladder is caused from either a diseased, underdeveloped or inflamed internal organs, it can also be caused by poor water conditions and in some cases due to poor diet.  Mostly swim bladder is caused by poor water conditions than any other cause.  Goldfish cannot and should not have salts of any kind in their water.  The water should contain high dissolved oxygen levels.  Goldfish more than most fish rely on the water they absorb to process their foods and body functions since goldfish have no stomachs.  They cannot process foods properly without the use of excess water.  this leads to equalibrium problems and the ability for the swim bladd to inflate and deflate properly.

Swim bladder is easily controled with proper water and diet.  Feeding your goldies greens like lettuce, spinach and peas once or twice per week, or even on a daily basis will help to keep swim bladder at bay.

There are no meds other than Epsom salts that will cure swimbladder problems.  Epsom salts are not like regular salts and if you feel you must keep salt in a freshwater tank, only Epsom salts should be used.  This does not interfear with the process of water in the fish like aquarium, marine or rock salt.

Feed your fish a few peas, no meds needed.