The medicine of aquatic species, for obvious reasons, is totally different from that of terrestrial species. In recent years, the boom in fish care has become evident and this factor has gradually strengthened the medicine of water species, thus increasing their longevity. Because the communication of the fish with the human is really limited, many specialists do not identify it as a pet, however, it is a theory under discussion, since many people claim to have a relationship of affection with their fish, an issue that is respected in the present.
When talking about fish, the number of species is very variable and, although many have much in common, some differ in certain aspects and this must be taken into account before purchasing a fish. In this article on our site, we will explain what it can mean when a fish swims on its side, a sign that can alert the owner and cause some concern, and we will also review the different treatments that are often carried out on fish, without diminishing the importance of the prognosis of each pathology. Find out why your fish swims sideways and what you can do.
Why is my fish swimming sideways?
Various diseases and he alth problems can explain why your fish is swimming sideways or why your fish is swimming sideways and turning. The most common are:
Swim Bladder Disease
We should know that most domestic bony fish have an anatomical structure called a swim bladder. Said structure is nothing more than a membranous sac that is found under the spinal column and that is responsible, among other things depending on the species, for controlling the buoyancy of the animalThe swim bladder can be affected by improper handling of the tank (lack of filter, water in poor condition, etc.), resulting in a change in the way the fish swims. This condition is quite common in balloon-shaped fish (like goldfish, for example), but it can occur in any species that has a swim bladder.
In addition to observing that the fish floats on its side, swims on its side on the surface or in any other area of the tank, it is common to notice that the animal is not eating and is bloated.
Gastrointestinal parasites
Although parasites in fish have many more signs, it is known that one of the most common is sideways swimming. The fish tends to retract one fin and this causes changes in its agility to move in the water. The most common intestinal parasites in fish are of the genus Hexamita and the prognosis is generally favorable; the fish returns to normal within a few days if the correct treatment is carried out.
Bacterial infections
Some diseases caused by bacteria have as a consequence the condition of the fish swimming, however, it is a sign that is seen in animals when the infection has already advanced a lot. These pathologies are a little more serious than the previous ones and threaten the life of the animal, therefore, they require special care from the owner. Of course, bacterial infections differ depending on the microorganism that causes them and, therefore, they will have different treatments and prognosis, in fact, some affect swimming more than others.
As you can see, if you notice that your fish floats but is alive, the causes that can cause this change in its swimming are different and very different. Let's see what you can do next.
What to do if my fish swims sideways? - Treatment
The treatment will depend, of course, on the condition that has been diagnosed. We show the most common treatments according to the cause.
Treatment for a fish swimming on its side due to bacterial infections
Generally, for bacterial conditions, the use of antibiotics is the best choice. So, when asked what to do when your fish swims on its side, the answer is simple: visit a veterinarian specialized in these animals to identify the underlying cause.
Once the cause has been identified and the antibiotic prescribed, it must be taken into account that the full duration of the treatment stipulated by the specialist must be respected, even if the animal has improved sooner than predicted. The correct management of the fish tank is also necessary, the water changes at the correct times and the use of filtersThis management can guarantee us a decrease in the probability of the appearance of any type of disease in our aquarium or opportunistic bacteria that worsen the clinical picture.
Treatment for a floating fish with swim bladder disease
Likewise, there are veterinary doctors specializing in fish who perform invasive techniques at the level of the swim bladder. This technique carries a risk, so it should be practiced most of the time by specialists in the area of aquatic species.
On the other hand, it is possible that the specialist indicates that a change in diet is necessary, especially if he considers that the current diet is of poor quality and may be the cause of the disease. Likewise, in some cases it is recommended to fast for 24-48 hours so that the fish can expel accumulated feces and gases.
Treatment for a side-swimming fish due to parasites
In cases of intestinal parasites, it is recommended, under strict supervision of the veterinarian, to remove the affected fish and carry out the parasitic treatment in a “hospital aquarium”, for as long as necessary, even if the fish gets better sooner, as we have already mentioned.
My fish swims sideways, will it recover?
It will depend on the severity of the condition Generally, when it comes to swim bladder, many doctors may have the judgment of that the fish will not return to normal, however, in recent times techniques have been implemented that improve the quality of life of the fish and sometimes it does not even show sequelae.
Regarding bacterial diseases, it will also depend on the time that elapses from the time the fish presents the disease until the owner takes it to the veterinarian and, of course, on the type of bacteria that is affecting the fish. fish. Conditions caused by gastrointestinal parasites usually have a very good prognosis if the veterinarian's instructions are followed to the letter.
