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My fish is on its side, struggling to swim. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Betta | Male

My fish is laying on his side at the bottom of aquarium from 2 days, finding difficult to swim and rolling upside down in aquarium... Am unable to understand this strange behavior.... What is the necessary action to be taken to make him normal....

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 3rd, 2019

Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change to stabilize water chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. By your description, the issue may be swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection (bacterial or parasites) or constipation. Maintain water quality as described above. Fast the fish for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will help with constipation. If this doesn't help. you can get a broad spectrum antibiotic from the local pet store. Look in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 30th, 2016

    It is possible papyrus is experiencing swim bladder issues. Swim bladder disease is commonly caused by poor water quality, overfeeding or bacterial infection. Submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances. Do a 3/4 water change and change the filter media if you use a filter. Fast Papyrus for 2 days then resume feeding fresh, shelled green peas. Mash them and feed bits by hand. The peas can help if he is constipated which, in turn, can affect the swim bladder. A broad spectrum antibiotic can be added to the tank if the previous steps do not work. Tetratcycline can be used to treat most infections in Bettas. You can buy it at most pet stores in the aquatics section. Use according to label directions. Pick up some BettaFix as well.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 4th, 2019

    Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Water temp should range between 78 F and 80 F. Fast him for 3 days, then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas until swimming and defecation are normal. An all in one product to treat illness can be used if the fasting and green peas have no effect. Find one, such as LifeGuard by Tetra, in the aquarium section of the local Petco.

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