My Lionhead Goldfish is belly up!

Question
I just bought a lionhead goldfish. Most of the time he is belly up, other times he is swimming normally.It dosen't really affect its eating habbits only when he swimming belly up. I read some of your other questions and answers, They all said that my fish may have a bladder disease and that I should feed it peas or dont feed it anything at all for two weeks. Can you tell me if my fish has a bladder problem and if it dose explain to me in detail how the "pea diet" works

Thanks,
Vanessa T.

Answer
Hi Vanessa,
 Peas won't help a swim bladder problem. They help if your fish has an intestinal problem.  Sometimes if there is an infection such as certain parasites in the intestine, then eating peas has the effect of cleaning out the intestine.  

If it truly is a swim bladder problem, then sadly there is nothing that you can do about it as far as I know.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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