Swimmers bladder disease???

[Chewy17]

My red belly(10-12 yrs old now) is keeping himself to one side of the tank, and it seems like he cant swim normally, his tail is constantly floating upwards which makes him look like he's pointing headfirst at the ground.


He's also breathing a bit heavy? Still active enough to swim if necessary, haven't tried to feed him recently. Not trying to stress him any more than necessary.


Is this a swim bladder problem or something else? He's been like this about 3-5 days now.

I am getting a bit worried now. Is this swimmers bladder disease? or something else? Please, any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.

- Jesse

 

[Chewy17]

Okay. So I've done a little research and now I'm very confused...

to be very specific, he has his chin touching the gravel at the bottom. Not normal for him at all. In the last few days his tail has started floating to the top. Thus the swimmers bladder theory. I have turned off the filter system because it seems to let him rest a bit easier. Seems like if he's pushed to swim he could but does not want to if he doesn't have to. I'm at a lose as to what to do???

lower the water in the tank?
apply Malafix? May have spelled wrong.
feed peas?
hand feed? This will probably not happen, he's not THAT inactive, lol.

thanks for any help.

- Jesse

 

[EBJDguy]

The lifespan of a piranha is between 10-15 years. I'd say your little guy has just about reached his life span. It can be heartbreaking when a fish we've had for a decade comes to the end of his/her life. If he's not in any visible pain, let him be as he's always been. Do what you need to do to lower the amount of stress on him. Good luck.

 

[Chewy17]

Thanks EBJDguy. I had a feeling that may be the answer I receive. I don't want to accept it, however I have come to terms with it. It is what it is! If it's his time then so be it. I hope not. Thanks for the reply.

Jesse

 

[EBJDguy]

Yeah, anytime Chewy17. If you ever need anything, Inbox me.