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Cichlid swim bladder won't heal. What are my treatment options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish

I've been fighting for a year to get swim bladder under control for 5 of my cichlids fish I've tried antibiotics in food forum and I. The water medication not all at once and nothing seems to be working what else can I do to help them

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about your fish. Antibiotics rarely help these conditions if placed in the water, as fish don't absorb antibiotics through the skin, gills or drink it. Systemic antibiotic (injections) could help. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess, determine a cause, and plan a diagnostic/treatment protocol. Acetazolamide in the water can occasionally help. Good luck.

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