Swim bladder disease is a very common health condition that affects many types of fish. In short, it makes it difficult for the fish to maintain buoyancy because of a compromised swim bladder. They can’t swim properly and will often lie on their sides. There are some treatments, but it depends on the seriousness of the disease. In this guide, we’ll look at everything that marine life owners need to know about swim bladder disease in their pet fish.
What Is Swim Bladder Disease in Fish?
Swim bladder disease affects many types of fish and can occur for several reasons. One common cause is overfeeding or eating too quickly. Many new aquarium owners accidentally give their pets too much food because they lack experience. Only feed your fish as much as they can consume in five minutes. If there’s food left over after this period, you’re feeding them too much. In a similar vein, eating too quickly can cause a fish to gulp air, also leading to swim bladder disease.
Low water temperature is another common cause of swim bladder disease. We advise checking the recommended temperature for each fish species in the tank. This is especially important if you keep multiple types of fish because their needs may not be compatible. Remember: most tropical fish need warmer temperatures, so you may need a heated tank. If the temperature is too low, it can inhibit their digestion. This may increase the load on their swim bladder. Meanwhile, parasites and shock can also trigger this condition, but they’re less common.
Know the Symptoms of Swim Bladder Disease
Swim bladder disease usually causes a fish to lose buoyancy. It’s common for this to have one of the following two effects:
- The fish may suffer an inflated swim bladder and float to the top of the tank; or
- It may have a deflated swim bladder and drop to the tank floor.
It’s important to be aware of your fish’s regular behavior. Some fish will naturally rest for a while to conserve energy. However, it may be more serious if it’s not something they usually do. For example, it’s rare to see a top-dwelling betta fish sink to the aquarium’s bottom.
The fish may also struggle to swim upright when moving through the tank. They may also use their fins excessively because they’re trying to propel themselves. Other physical symptoms include curved spines and distended bellies. This is because the inflated bladder places pressure on other parts of their bodies. The fish may not eat because of a lack of appetite or simply because they can’t swim and get food.
Treatments for Swim Bladder Disease
Before attempting to treat swim bladder disease, identify its possible cause. For example, if you overfeed your fish, try letting them fast for a couple of days. This will help stabilize the affected fish’s digestive system. Meanwhile, if the water is too cool, increase it to the correct temperature. This will vary depending on the species. For instance, goldfish thrive in a temperature range of 68° and 74° F. However, betta fish need 76 to 81° F because they hail from tropical areas.
If an infection causes swim bladder disease, you will need to give your fish medication. A marine veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics, or you could find them online. Remember, if there are any doubts about a fish’s health condition, you should immediately quarantine it.
While swim bladder disease isn’t contagious, quarantining the affected fish will reduce their stress and possibly give them time to heal.
How to Prevent Swim Bladder Disease
Prevention is always preferable to treatment when it comes to fish health problems. The easiest way to do so is by caring for your fish properly. Feed them at appropriate times and don’t give them too much food. Always clean your aquarium regularly and remove leftovers so parasites don’t flourish. It’s also crucial to maintain the tank’s correct water parameters. Consistently test the pH levels and temperature to ensure a healthy environment.
This will greatly reduce the risk of health issues like swim bladder disease, ich, and fin rot. Don’t overcrowd the tank with too many fish either. It’s a common mistake that many first-time aquarists make. This can also cause fish to eat too much because of competition with other tankmates. They may consume their food too quickly, which may result in some of the symptoms we’ve already discussed. Swim bladder disease has an uncertain prognosis. Some fish will recover quickly while extreme cases require euthanasia.
Does Swim Bladder Disease Require Vet Care?
Taking sick fish to the vet is never an easy process. Firstly, it can cause more problems than it solves because moving the fish will stress them. This can trigger dormant health issues and be counterproductive. It’s better to get an outcall visit, but this will be very expensive.
Another issue is that most standard vets don’t have much experience with marine life. Specialists may be unavailable in many areas. They also command higher fees because of their expertise. If you have expensive koi fish, it may be worthwhile, but otherwise, It’s generally not cost-effective.
The vet can confirm swim bladder disease by performing an x-ray. However, the symptoms are quite clear, so most people can identify it. A vet likely won’t offer any special treatment, so it may not be a good idea.
Finding a trustworthy exotic vet can be one of the most complicated aspects of being a fish aquarium owner. Resources like the American Association of Fish Veterinarians can help you find your nearest health professional.
