black moor fish floating

Question
Our black moor, Lucky, keeps floating to the top of the tank- tail at the top and head pointing downwards (he seems to have chosen the small corner next to the filter so he isn't floating all over the tank). I've tried swim bladder treatment but it hasn't made a differance. Can you suggest anything else to try? Also his stomach looks bloated. Thanx.

Answer
Hi Michele,

You're absolutely right - your Black Moor is suffering from Swim Bladder Disease, characterized by the inability to reach the bottom of the tank. Try this - feed a fresh or frozen pea to the Black Moor Goldfish (de-shelled). Believe it or not, most Swim Bladder issues in Goldfish quickly disappear after feeding peas. I'm not joking.

If the peas don't work, or if he/she is not accepting food, then you can treat the fish with any anti-bacterial medication. Since you said that the stomach was bloated, you'll need a stronger medication. You can use any medication, but I recommend Maracyn by Mardel Labs. Another good one is Sera Baktopur. Follow the directions and dosage information carefully, and remove any carbon from the filter during use. Change 40% of the water first.

Hopefully, your Black Moor is not too far into the disease to not be able to recover.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!