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What is wrong with my fish? It’s swimming funny.
Funny or odd swimming can be an indicator that something is wrong with your fish. Each issue that your fish will have will be shown through distinct behavior such as rapid and jerky movements. If you understand the definition of words such as “rapid and jerky movements” then you will recognize the behavior even if you have never seen it before.
Odd swimming patterns can be caused by many different factors in your tank. In this article we will discuss some groupings of these issues and their treatment as well as common specific issues and their treatments. If you have specific questions that are not covered in this article please email us and let us know.
Parasitic Infection- These infections have been grouped together because of their common causes, behaviors and treatments. If your fish has ANY ONE of these behaviors then parasites could be the cause. If your fish:
- Acts listless and appears thin and frail
- Scrapes on objects in the tank as if it is trying to scratch itself.
- Rocks back and forth in the tank.
- Gills appear red, hang partially open and pump fast.
- Darts about wildly and may smash into objects in the tank.
- Gills remain partially open at all times.
- Fins kept close to the body ESPECIALLY in live bearing fish.
- Small lumps under skin or fins (sometimes moving)
- Small black specks on the skin
- Red streaks on the fins
- Grey film on the body
- Floats with fins closed
- Thread like worms (attached to the fish)
If your fish is exhibiting any of these signs then you should get a good parasite guard and treat your tank. The causes of these behaviors range from gill parasites to head worms and can be lethal to fish.
2. Fungal Infection- These infections have been grouped together because of their common causes, behaviors and treatments. If your fish has ANY ONE of these behaviors then parasites could be the cause. If your fish:
- White or grey cotton like substance growing from the fish
- Fin rot
- Open sores on anabantids
- Red streaks on fins close to the body with no signs of damage
- White cotton growing from the mouth
- Flesh eaten away around the mouth
- Decay at the mouth or tail
- Frayed looking fins and moldy looking slime on the scales
- Tail eaten away with a red base on the body.
If your fish is exhibiting any of these signs then you should get a good fungal guard and treat your tank. The causes of these behaviors range from strong bacteria to parasitic fungi and can be lethal to fish.
I am now going to cover some individual issues that your fish may have.
Flavo Bacteria infection- This infection is caused by an internal bacteria and is noticed by the fish swimming aimlessly or having jerky spasms. This type of bacteria can enter the aquarium by using a contaminated net or by the splashing of contaminated water. Treat using an internal parasite guard.
Bladder Disease- This is one of the most common causes behind abnormal swimming in freshwater fish. The swim bladder in a fish helps keep the fish level and moving in the right direction. This would be similar to an inner ear infection in humans. We count on our inner ear to stay standing upright and the fish uses its swim bladder to do the same thing. An infection to this bladder causes the fish to swim in odd patterns and not be able to control the depth that it stays in the water. Treat with a fungal eliminator.
Below is a list of common fish behaviors due to chemical imbalances in the water.
|
Symptoms |
Cause |
Description |
| Fish may dart and gasp. | Acidic Water | Acid from fish wastes or decayed food. Acidic water will irritate gills and skin. |
| Fish dart about, gills pump furiously. | Chlorine in water supply | Chlorine added to water supply to kill bacteria. |
| Fish act very uncomfortable. | Contaminated Tank water | Chlorine, chloramines, copper or manufacturing oils in the water. |
| Fish may go to top or bottom or dash about when first introduced to the tank. | Tank water is vastly different from original source water | Change in water from which fish are first acclimated. |
| Fish dart about. Gills pump furiously after a water change. | Dissolved gasses or metals in the water. | Dissolved gasses or metals in the water. |
| New Fish act stunned or gasp at top of water after releasing them from bag. | Oxygen Deprivation, CO2 Poisoning, Ammonia Poisoning | Ammonia and carbon dioxide suffocating fish in container. |
This article is in no way a complete list of all fish ailments. This is meant as a general guide for the aquarist and a starting point to fish care. If you have specific questions that are not covered in the article, please email us and we will give you the information that you need to treat your fish.