This question is going to be very vague and I apologize. I have a catfish (I don't remember the species beyond that it had the word green in it) who is involuntarily floating to the surface. When he's active he can swim back down to the bottom but I've notice that when he relaxes he floats back to the top. I remember reading in a book I have but can't find that fish have an organ that regulates their water depth for them and that sometimes it can get unbalanced. Does this sound right and how can I correct it?
I need help!!!
- Thread starter fnorfurfoot
- Start date
Fish have a swim bladder which helps them balance while swimming. Perhaps he has a swim bladder infection. I haven't had to deal with this so hopefully someone will chime in with a way to help this poor little guy.
Infections in the swim bladder can be fatal, and difficult to treat. I would get a medicated food for the fish immediately, and test to make sure water quality is not a contributing factor. Some people will advise piercing the bladder with a pin, but this requires experience and guidance to avoid damaging organs--I wouldn't attempt it myself.
Another possible cause is bubbles within the intestine. If this cat is an aggressive feeder on algae tabs, it's possible that the fish ate a dry algae tab, which has now swollen within it's gut, and is bubbling away. Dry foods should always be soaked prior to feeding, though usually algae tabs don't cause a problem as they absorp water quickly.
Another possible cause is bubbles within the intestine. If this cat is an aggressive feeder on algae tabs, it's possible that the fish ate a dry algae tab, which has now swollen within it's gut, and is bubbling away. Dry foods should always be soaked prior to feeding, though usually algae tabs don't cause a problem as they absorp water quickly.