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About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > sick fish?

Freshwater Aquarium - sick fish?

Expert: Nathan - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi Nathan, I have fairly recently upgraded my fish tank form a 30 gal to a 55 gal tank. I only have 4 fish in this tank as of right now but one of my fish is acting very weird. I'm not sure what kind of fish it is but this has been going on for about a month or so now it will lay on the bottom of the tank upside down and swim around upside down most of the time, however when I feed it, it seems to be eating and it will turn right side up and swim around like nothing is even wrong with it. I thought something might be wrong with it but its been doing this for so long now that I thought maybe I just had a handicapped fish or something. there is also another fish in my tank that seems to have a bubble coming out of its eye, other than that it has no problems getting around. If you could let me know if theres anything I can do to help my fish I would really appreciate it.

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Swimming upside down is definitely a strange thing... But if you've had this fish for a long time, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Perhaps you've got a playful fish? Some species of fish actually do this to a certain degree. Otocinclus (dwarf suckermouth catfish) will lie on the ground for short periods of time and will also hang or swim upside down to its new resting leaf. If you had known the species of fish, it would've been more helpful. For the future, don't buy a fish unless it's properly labeled with the species!!!

Your other fish's eye may be swollen. This is most likely due to an injury from minor aggression or bumping into ornaments, etc. It will heal by itself in a month or so, but you should be on the lookout for possible secondary bacterial infection. Look for cloudiness, red streaks, or film on the eye. If any of those symptoms occur, you can treat with an antibiotic available at your local fish store. if you do not see any symptoms, weekly water changes and good water quality will let it heal faster.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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