Swimming (and lack thereof)

Question
I have a brand new calico fantail goldfish... very pretty... Today, he began swimming sideways. He'll also swim around spasticly, then lay at the bottom of the bowl. The water was kinda murky, so I did a partial change, even though the water was basically new yesterday. It's still continuing. Should I be worried?


Lyz

Answer
Hi Lyz;

He may be in shock. When adding a new fish to a new tank or putting the fish in a tank after cleaning, be sure the new water is exactly the same temperature as the old water and always use a water conditioner. If you have been feeding him and his water is getting dirty fast he is probably not eating, or you have overfed him. Goldfish are natural born gluttons and will eat so much that they become bloated. This will also cause the activity you describe.

He really needs a tank with a filter. Goldfish are very messy deep-bodied fish that need plenty of water. They get 6 to 8 inches long too. Get him a 5 gallon tank or larger. Many people have kept goldfish in bowls or small tanks but they live a very miserable life if they make it at all. Most don't though I'm afraid.

Until you are able to get a bigger tank, change 100% of his water every other day and use a water conditioner. Only feed him a tiny bit of food and only feed him once a day. Spinning around is often from gas in the belly. You can give him thawed frozen peas to help him expel gas from overeating. (the human kind from the frozen foods department at the grocery store) Thaw one out in your hand and give him a couple of tiny chunks of it after you pop it out of it's little green shell. Throw the rest away and use a new pea the next day. Do this until he swims normally, feeding no other foods until he does.

Hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins