joshthefisherman

my gold fish has swim bladder disease i was wondering if this is contagious to the other gold fish in my tank

Lucy

Hi
I'm sorry your goldie isn't feeling well.
Usually swim bladder disease isn't contagious, nor is it really a disease but an underlying problem.

Steve113

Swim bladder disease wasn't really something I knew a lot about so I went to read about it.

It seems as though it looks worse than it is and is not often fatal. Not contagious but it could indicate an underlying problem with your tank (water problems, overfeeding + many more)

Seems as though there are a few causes and the most common suggestion to cure it is to avoid feeding for 3 days then feed with a mushed up defrosted shelled pea.
(aparently the illness is often caused by a blockage in the intestinal tract if not by a bacterial infection)

Frequent and large water changes are a good idea and keep an eye on your water parameters.

I found this interesting, yet relatively short article on Wiki about the swim bladder (they say Gas bladder) It wont help cure the problem but it's quite interesting if yuor into that kinda stuff. (theres a pic of a swim bladder)

Check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swim_bladder

joshthefisherman

thanks guys

Steve113

You're welcome josh -

Keep us posted on how your little guy's doing

catbtony

In the TFH magazine Dec 2008 by Ted Coletti-he answered a question on "swim bladder" and said that deformed swaim bladder or bacterial infection, constipation or dropsy-that a safe homeopathis solution TX: was:
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)1 tlb per 5 gal of water-Mag sulfate raises specific gravity, absorbes into the skin to reduce inflammation, and a laxative.
I tried this on my betta fry and I felt that it helped-
I wish the article stated more on HOW long this treatment should be used
Just a thought, anyone else tried this?