Could it be swim bladder?

[shwa]

Hi. I haven't posted for a while as my two comets (received from a birthday party in July) have been doing quite nicely in their 28 gallon tank. I have been doing weekly 50 percent water changes and have noticed something strange. Usually, just prior to the water change, one of the comets has some trouble. Its movements seem strained in a way and it seems to have trouble staying off the surface. It also seems to have trouble staying straight (it kind of tips so its body is diagonal). Also, it seems to stay head down more than usual.

Usually, these actions seem to disappear immediately after water changes. However, I did one yesterday and the fish is already showing those strange signs. I also want to point out (perhaps this is completely unrelated) that this particular fish previously had some black splotches (almost like a had followed by a long line down the top) on his head/back and fins. The spotches got larger and have almost now completely disappeared. I'm thinking it might have been ammonia-related and am pleased that this issue is resolved.

Back to the first issue - does this sound like swim bladder? What should I do? Thanks!:help:

[THE V]

Sounds like swim bladder issues to me. It could have a current infection or it might be damage from the previous issue. It may be a good idea to feed him some medicated pellets (antibiotic) and see if it helps.

Keep watching to see if it has any other symptoms.

[Flaringshutter]

The black splotches are bruising caused by wounds healing over. I would definitely say they were related to the ammonia issues - probably ammonia burns healing up. Your tipsy fish may have some swimbladder issues. A water change likely perks him up and makes him feel like exploring rather than sitting in one place, but once he gets bored again and holds still, he gets floaty. As long as it doesn't worsen, there's no need to worry. My shubunkin is a chronic "headstander", too.