angelfish- swim bladder

Question
QUESTION: One of my angelfish has been swimming on his side for over a week now and before then doing sommersaults in the water. I have read that feeding him green peas will help, problem is I have 6 other angelfish, and 3 other fish in there as well. I dont have another tank to seperate him from- what can I do? He is otherwise seems healthy- his buddy stays right by him under the water.

ANSWER: Hi Kelli,

Raise the temperature some, and then feed him the peas.  It isn't a cureall for swim bladder disorder, but if it's caused by constipation (most of the time it is) that will help him go potty.

You might consider changing his food.  

You can feed all the fish peas.  They will just potty easier is all.

Good luck and happy holidays.

:)

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Renee for getting back to me. I dont believe my heater can go up any higher, does raising the temp really matter? If it does I will go buy another heater. Also he hasnt been eating really at all, how would I feed him the peas? I really want him to get better. At first I thought he was dying, but since its been over a week and I figured hed be gone by now it had to be something else. Thanks again!!

Answer
Hi Kelli,

It can take awhile for swim bladder issues to take a fish out.  They almost always do, in the long run, unless it's constipation causing it.

To get him to eat, add some garlic to your water.  Go get 2 cloves of garlic, peel it and then squish it into a bowl with a spoon.  Then, put it in the water.  It will cause him to be hungrier within the next 3 days.  

Try squishing the peas in small particles to feed them.  Stop feeding any other foods for now.

Good luck,
Renee