Goldfish cannot swim or lift from bottom Buy the book Goldfish cannot swim or lift from bottom. If the fish is touching the bottom it could be affected by nitrates. Nitrates rob the blood of oxygen, and the increased pressure is relieved by the pressure of water, so the fish remains on the bottom where it… Continue reading Goldfish cannot swim
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Goldfish stuck bottom
Goldfish stuck bottom may indicate the fish hasn’t been eating. The swim bladder is responsible for giving fish the ability to sink or rise. Attached to the intestinal tract, the organ utilizes carbon dioxide, a gas produced from waste. The bladder expands and contracts much like a balloon
Goldfish stuck bottom
Carbon dioxide must be available in order for the bladder to expand on demand
There are many reasons fish will not or cannot eat. Nitrates are most commonly the culprit, although reasons why the toxin affects the appetite are unknown. It takes only a few days for the bladder to collapse. Long after the nitrate issue is resolved, the fish will be left laying on the bottom, lacking the ability to rise
Nitrate poisoning also causes fish to lay on the bottom. In the case of nitrate poisoning, the fish is capable of lifting, however, the act is painful causing increased pressure on the body. These fish prefer deep water. Supersaturated gases are another reason for bottom sitting. These gases, found in freshwater tap water are caused by pressure. Capable of entering the bloodstream through the gills, they can have similar effects as nitrates
Fish lift and tilt at a 45 degree angle to feed on the bottom. Without this ability, it will starve, however, it can be force fed. Feeding a fish isn’t easy, but this is its only chance of survival. Not uncommon, sinking issues are often misdiagnosed as nitrate poisoning