Sick Panda Cory

[travelinman1969]

I have a small panda cory that has started lying on it's side and seems to have lost his balance, sometimes swimming upside down. He seems okay what I feed the fish but after eating he starts doing this again. Like his equalibrium is screwed up somehow. He is in a 5 gallon with 2 platties, 3 neons, and an alge eater. Any idea what's going on here?

[freshfishy]

It's pretty common, mine actually did this last week. It's a swim bladder issue. Often they gulp a bit of air in there and it ruins their swim-bladder control, like a goldfish. I could actually see mine's bubble last week and when I saw him up at the surface i just gently rubbed my thumb along his belly from his head to his tail to get it out. (I've done this to goldfish plenty of times but with a cory this was a first!) Anyway. He's doing fine now. Been about a week, and he's still normal. Other than this theres not much you can do to fix the issue except maybe play the sit around and wait game!

[travelinman1969]

He's only about 5/8 of an inch. Afraid I might hurt him with my big hands. Think I'll play the waiting game. He's not swimming at the surface. He's swimming upside down at the bottom. Lays on his side alot. I've been sick for a few days now so I know how he feels, lol.

[travelinman1969]

Ok, he's stopped swimming, just laying on his side, at the bottom of the tank. Doesn't even move when I feed the the fish. Should I just flush him? Any help would be appreciated.

[Banky]

I really hope you didnt flush him unless he was already dead.

[travelinman1969]

He died 3 weeks ago. :sad Got 2 new emeralds and they are doing great. :D