Floating Goldfish

[deepseadiver]

My pals goldfish looks like it has trouble staying underwater.It always ends up back on the surface upside down.Then swims like crazy to get down but cant stay down...Any ideas

[natalie_1982]

I had a friend whose goldfish also had this problem, I think it's quite common and you can get something to put in the water - it was something to do with Goldy having trapped wind and so kept floating to the top no matter how hard he tried to paddle back down again.

Sorry that didn't answer your question too much, but it might jog someone else's memory who should be able to help!

[B00]

Hiya

Your friend's fish sounds like he has swim bladder. Try giving him (the fish, not your friend!) a few cooked frozen shelled peas for a couple of days. As mad as it sounds, this really does work.

[poopy]

yeah i would say its knackered. its boyancy as gone and as a deep sea diver i would have thought you knew that!! lol

[showcatbenga]

This problem has a few causes. One is constipation & the previous answer of feeding a few green peas should work. Another possible cause is bacterial infection. Shop bought proprietry remedies should help. Putting the fish in shallower water until it is fixed is also a kind thing to do.
Adding aquarium salt - NOT TABLE OR COOKING SALT! to the water is always a good first measure for goldfish first aid. various concentrations can be used for different conditions so seek expert advice via the net or a good book - but be warned if you look at an American site/book their gallons are not the same as ours, the best thing is to only follow metric measures.