Expert: Chris Robbins - 10/16/2007

Question
I have a Veiltail breed goldfish and him for about 3 month's and today was the first time I ever seen it floating up. Iy looks like it is trying to resist but it like it can't help it. It eats and all like if nothing were wrong. It lives with 6 other goldfish in a 10 gallon tank.  I feed it only once daily.  The others fish seem to be very healthy I am worried abouth the life of my goldfish. I change the water every 2-3 weeks and I have a Aqua-Tech Filter system with Bio-Fiber.

Answer
Hi Nomar;

It sounds like a swim bladder problem. It is usually related to constipation. Try feeding some peeled cooked green peas. All the fish should like them too and goldfish need veggies in their diet. Goldfish are mostly vegetarian and the dried foods we give them lack a sufficient amount of fiber to keep their digestive tracts healthy.

Your fish really need a lot more room. Each goldfish needs at least ten gallons just for one to thrive. Goldfish get very large and are just very messy guys. They also need the extra room to get enough exercise. Exercise helps with digestion too. To help keep your fish alive until they get a bigger tank it would be good for them if you make a partial water change twice a week. All tanks really need a 25% water change at least once a week anyway when they aren't overcrowded. Hopefully they will be okay for awhile with two changes a week until they get a new tank.  

I hope they do okay and your sick fish feels better very soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins