Fish Floating at Surface: Swim Bladder Treatment Guide

**Quick Answer:** Fish floating at the surface is typically caused by swim bladder disorder, constipation, or poor water quality. For swim bladder issues, fast your fish for 24-48 hours, then feed thawed frozen peas (for omnivores/herbivores) or daphnia (for carnivores). Most cases resolve within 3-7 days with proper treatment and water quality improvements.

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What is Swim Bladder Disorder?

Swim bladder disorder is a common condition affecting a fish's ability to control its buoyancy in the water. The swim bladder is a gas-filled organ that helps fish maintain their position in the water column. When this organ malfunctions, fish may float uncontrollably at the surface, sink to the bottom, swim sideways, or flip upside down.

This condition isn't a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. The most common causes include constipation, gulping air while feeding, bacterial infections, physical injuries, or developmental issues (especially in fancy goldfish and bettas).

Symptoms

Floating at the water surface unable to swim down

Sinking to the bottom unable to swim up

Swimming sideways or at an angle

Flipping upside down repeatedly

Struggling to maintain normal swimming position

Curved or bent spine (in severe cases)

Swollen abdomen or bloating

Difficulty swimming after eating

Lethargy and reduced activity

Causes

Constipation from overfeeding or low-quality foods

Gulping air when eating floating foods at the surface

Rapid eating (especially in goldfish and bettas)

Bacterial or parasitic infections

Physical injury or trauma

Poor water quality (high ammonia or nitrite levels)

Sudden temperature changes

Genetic factors (common in fancy goldfish with compressed bodies)

Treatment Steps

1. **Test water parameters** - Ensure ammonia and nitrite are 0ppm, nitrate under 20ppm

2. **Fast your fish** - Withhold food for 24-48 hours to clear digestive system

3. **Feed appropriate foods** - For omnivores/herbivores like goldfish, feed thawed frozen peas with skins removed; for carnivores like bettas, feed thawed frozen daphnia

4. **Add Epsom salt** - Add 1 teaspoon per 19 litres to help reduce swelling (available at Chemist Warehouse for $3-5)

5. **Maintain stable temperature** - Keep water temperature consistent for your fish species

6. **Consider medication** - For bacterial infections, use Blue Planet Multi Cure ($15-20 at Petbarn) or API General Cure ($18-25 at Aquarium Spare Parts Adelaide)

7. **Create shallow water** - Temporarily reduce water level to make it easier for fish to reach the surface for air

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Prevention

Feed small portions 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal

Soak dry foods before feeding to prevent air gulping

Use sinking pellets rather than floating foods

Provide a varied diet with high-quality ingredients

Maintain excellent water quality with regular testing

Perform weekly 25-30% water changes

Keep water temperature stable (avoid fluctuations greater than 1°C per day)

Choose appropriate tank mates to reduce stress

When to Worry

If your fish shows no improvement after 5-7 days of treatment, or if you notice additional symptoms developing (such as red streaks on the body, white spots, or cottony growths), more serious conditions may be present. Persistent swim bladder issues accompanied by severe bloating, pinecone-like scales (dropsy), or gasping at the surface may indicate organ failure or advanced bacterial infection. In these cases, consider using stronger medications like Seachem KanaPlex ($28-35 at specialist aquarium stores in Adelaide) which treats internal bacterial infections.

Common Questions

**Can swim bladder disorder be cured completely?**

In most cases, especially those caused by constipation or temporary issues, swim bladder disorder can be completely resolved. However, fish with genetic predispositions (like fancy goldfish) may experience recurring episodes throughout their lives.

**How long can a fish live with swim bladder problems?**

With proper care and management, fish can live for years with chronic swim bladder issues. The key is maintaining excellent water quality, appropriate feeding, and ensuring the fish can reach food and air easily.

**Should I euthanise a fish with swim bladder disorder?**

Euthanasia should only be considered if the fish is suffering severely, cannot eat, or shows no improvement after several weeks of treatment. Many fish adapt to mild buoyancy issues and can live quality lives with proper care.

**Can swim bladder disorder spread to other fish?**

The condition itself is not contagious. However, if the underlying cause is bacterial or parasitic, these pathogens could potentially spread to other fish in the tank.

**Do air pumps help fish with swim bladder disorder?**

Gentle aeration can be beneficial as it increases oxygen levels in the water, reducing stress on the fish. However, avoid strong currents that might make swimming more difficult for affected fish.

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