Why is my koi fish floating upside down in the pond and then recovers?

ECheck the water chemistry. The recent water change may have upset it. Use a liquid home test kit or submit a sample for testing to confirm 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a 40ppm or less nitrate level. Confirm proper temperature for the species of fish as well. If necessary, another partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for conditioners include AmQuel Plus, NovAqua and StressCoat. Other options include StressZyme and Prime. To manage swim bladder issues, withhold food for 2-3 days then feed bits of cooked and shelled green peas. Do this until the fish is swimming and defecating normally. Fast one day a week to maintain regularity.

It is likely due to swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection, parasites or constipation. Check water chemistry first. This can be done using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68 F and 72 F. Next, fast Mylo for 3 days. Resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will help with constipation. You may also need a broad spectrum antibiotic or a broad spectrum anti-parasitic. You can find either in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Thanks for reaching out about your goldfish. If multiple fish are involved, water quality, infectious diseases, and toxicities should be considered. Once again, test water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrates. Correct any concerns. Water temperature should be monitored and adjusted. If these things are fine, a veterinary visit is needed to provide further answers. Good luck.

Check the water quality and temperature. Warm water will not hold as much oxygen as cool water and goldfish are cold water fish. Ideal water temp is about 21 C. Use a home water test kit to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites should read 0ppm (parts per million) and nitrates can be 40ppm or less. If you don't have a test kit, most pet stores or aquarists will test a sample for free or for a nominal fee. Ensure adequate filtration and oxygenation. Use a filter that will comfortably handle twice the volume of your tank. An airstone will increase oxygenation. A tank hood or cover is recommended to prevent fish from jumping out.

Since the others in the tank are behaving normally, this one may be sick or injured. Ideally, it should be separated into a quarantine or hospital tank Check water chemistry first, even if you've done it already. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites, with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to correct or stabilize water chemistry. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68F and 74F. Change no more than 30% of the volume at one time. In the absence of other symptoms or injury, medications cannot be recommended. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Kosher salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, increase gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons of water in a cup of tank water and

Goldfish sit at the bottom of a tank when they are not well, often because toxins have built up in the water. Goldfish are usually active, and lethargy is a sign of illness. Maintaining good water quality is essential for proper aquarium care. In the enclosed, finite space of a fish tank, toxic elements, such as ammonia and nitrates, can build up in the water causing disease and killing fish. The only way to detect and control toxins is to perform regular chemical tests on the water and to perform gradual water changes to remove impurities and maintain the proper water parameters.

If you are feeding flakes, the fish may be swallowing air while feeding. This may account for the signs you are seeing. After a period of time, the fish may expel the air and right themselves. Try feeding a pelleted or stick diet that sinks to prevent gulping air at mealtimes.

Check water chemistry and temperature. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence, 0 ppm, of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes if necessary to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F. Goldfish can also become constipated which may affect swimming. Fast him/her for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas until swimming is normal. If this doesn't help, consider an "all in one" treatment, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra). Find it in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Usually lack of water quality, lack of oxygen, overcrowding and abnormal temperature are all common causes of this behaviour. They could be hungry as well, but usually they come to the surface at certain time or in response to visual stimuli like your presence. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a

Thanks for reaching out about Kirky and including a photo, although the photo is out of focus. Swimming to the surface and gulping air is typically and indication of gill disease. Gill disease can be caused by poor water quality, bacterial infections, gill parasites, and metabolic disorders. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct problems. Make sure to treat tap water for several hours prior to adding to the tank. If water quality is correct, a veterinary visit for assistance in a diagnostic/treatment plan. A gill clip can be examined under the microscope to determine parasitic or other gill disease. Antibiotics added to the water typically cause more problems than benefit, altering biological filtration. Good luck.