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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Shibunkin
Expert: Tom Lee
Date: 5/13/2008
Subject: Shibunkin
Question
QUESTION: My son has a shibunkin that is at least 5 years old. It is standing on its tail leaning up against the corner of the glass. It is the only fish in a 10 gal aquarium. Got any clue what's wrong with it?
ANSWER: Hi Sharlyn,
Could be a swim-bladder problem. Is he having problems maintaining his equilibrium?
Is he eating at all?
Tom
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: He is eating fine, once a day. He is not being over fed. I did notice "empty poop sacs" floating around.
Answer
Hi Sharlyn,
Hmm...I would say internal worms but if the infection was serious then he would become emaciated around the heart area, whilst his abdomen would swell. I think this is probably a mild case of constipation.
Goldfish don't have a stomach therefore food literally passes straight through them. Essentially they all suffer from Crohn's disease that's why Goldfish are constantly hungry. However, they are often affected by constipation which gives off the same symptoms as Swimbladder disorder.
Try feeding him some shelled blanched peas along with a helping of live Daphnia. Hopefully this will get his bowels moving along properly.
To avoid reoccurences gear his diet towards plant matter, accompanied by flake twice a week and meaty foods once or twice a month.
If there is no improvement, could you send me some of your water readings. Ammonia and Nitrite are the ones I really need, although your Nitrate reading would help!
Good Luck!
Tom
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