my new fantail

Question
i got a new fantail last weekend and have noticed that he swims upside down most of the time and it is not only when he is feeding off the bottom but he nose dives from the top as swell. also all of a sudden he swims around crazy like he is being chased by something. i don't know what he is doing.. is he just having fun!!!

Answer
Hi Lauren;

He is definitely not having fun I'm afraid. He is having a problem with his swim bladder. The swim bladder is an organ inside him below his spine that controls buoyancy. When it isn't working properly your fish will have trouble keeping upright or he may sometimes sink to the bottom or just float upside down. It is often related to constipation and water quality. It is important not to overfeed your goldfish and be sure his tank is large enough. Here is a link to a helpful page with information on goldfish and what they need to stay healthy;

http://www.firsttankguide.net/goldfish.php

Here is a web page about swim bladder issues and some things you can try in order to help him;

http://www.netpets.com/fish/reference/freshref/swimbldr.html

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins