swimming vertically fantail goldfish

Question
I noticed a few days ago, my beautiful orange fantailed fish has trouble keeping horizontal..I have him in a 10 gallon tank/with filter and with another fish (calico), I have had them about 5 years I bought them at the same time.

thanks Katherine Wilson

Answer
Hello Katherine-

Unfortunately, as fish age, they tend to accumulate problems with their swim bladders. Thankfully, these afflictions are not usually fatal in and of themselves, and cause the fish no pain (just annoyance.)

If your fish is still eating, try feeding it a pea (while withholding his regular food.) This will empty the fish's stomach and intestines, and relieve any pressure on the swim bladder.

Also, adding some Epsom salts to the water may help to relieve any pressure caused by fluid retention. Only use a pinch, though!

Sometimes a medicated food can help, if the problem is caused by an internal bacterial infection. This is up to you to decide on, as the foods can be rather expensive.

Hope this is useful, and I hope your little one recovers.
-Amber Worman