Why does my catfish keep swimming upside down?

If an aquarium fish is listing to one side or flops over on its back, it often means it has swim bladder disease, a potentially life-threatening condition usually brought on by parasites, overfeeding or high nitrate levels in the water.

Are catfish supposed to swim upside down?

On the freshwater side of the aquarium hobby, the upside-down catfish is known for the way it swims. This species spends 90 percent of its time swimming upside down. Researchers are not certain why it does this, but swimming upside down is normal for this particular species of catfish, and not a sign of ill health.

What does it mean when a fish is upside down but still breathing?

The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. When affected by Swim Bladder Disorder fish will often lose the ability to properly swim. They will float uncontrollably to the top of the aquarium, turned upside down, while still being alive.

Why is my catfish swimming weird?

The most likely cause of a fish’s swimming at odd angles is swim bladder damage or disease. The swim bladder consists of a gas-filled sac, which fish can usually control to varying degrees. When fish like catfish get a damaged swim bladder, they will typically swim at odd angles, or struggle to swim at all.

How do you fix swim bladder in catfish?

Treatment. Treatment involves water maintenance, feeding changes, and possible antibiotics. Let the fish fast: If an enlarged stomach or intestine is thought to be the cause of a swim bladder disorder, the first course of action is to not feed the fish for three days.

How big can an upside-down catfish get?

about 4 inches
The upside-down catfish is a peaceful, schooling fish that grows to about 4 inches in length and is ideally suited for a community tank with other species of a similar temperament.

Can you save a fish that is swimming upside down?

Fortunately, swim bladder problems can usually be cured fairly easily, as long as you spot them early enough. If you see your fish swimming upside or on its side, act quickly! There are several good swim bladder treatments available.

What can I do if my fish is upside down?

Treatment involves water maintenance, feeding changes, and possible antibiotics. Let the fish fast: If an enlarged stomach or intestine is thought to be the cause of a swim bladder disorder, the first course of action is to not feed the fish for three days.

How do you help a fish that swims upside down?

Add some aquarium salt (one teaspoon per gallon) to de-stress the fish. You can buy aquarium salt online or at pet stores. Try a specific swim bladder treatment. Try a treatment for bacterial infection such as API Melafix.

What to do when a fish is swimming upside down?

How do you know when it’s time to euthanize a fish?

When Disease occurs: The most appropriate time to consider euthanasia, is when a disease occurs. In cases when diseases are highly contagious, or very hard to treat or even untreatable, then the old adage of one bad apple in the barrel, can be synonymous with one sick fish in the tank.

Can swim bladder cure itself?

There’s no treatment as such, and if the fish can recover, they will do so given a few hours. Switching the tank lights off for a while often helps, partly by removing one source of stress, but also by encouraging the fish to rest quietly rather than try to swim about.

Do upside-down catfish sting?

– Are Upside Down Catfish Venomous? No, they aren’t, but they can sting you with their barbs if you pick them up by hand. The pectoral and dorsal spines of the Upside Down Catfish can cause serious injury. Despite their peaceful disposition, these fish will kill their predators when worst comes to worst.

What are good tank mates for upside-down catfish?

Some good tankmates for upside-down catfish are tetras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful fish like zebra danios and Corydoras catfish.

Should you euthanize a fish with swim bladder?

Removing and euthanizing infected fish promptly will minimize the chances of healthy fish becoming sick. Fish with poorly developed swim bladders (“belly sliders”) and deformed spines are particularly common among inbred fish, such as some fancy livebearers.

How do you put a fish down humanely?

Clove oil is a sedative which at high doses, can be used to euthanase small fish. Unlike veterinary anaesthetics, clove oil is readily available from most chemists. Around 0.4ml of clove oil per litre of aquarium water is sufficient to cause death in exposed fish.

Can Catfish swim upside down?

Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) are certainly one of the quirkiest creatures that you can add to your tank! They exhibit some strange behavior that’s not normally seen in tropical fish. Rather than swimming upright, these freshwater fish spend most of their time swimming upside down!

What is a blotched upside-down catfish?

It is also known as the blotched upside-down catfish because of its spotted appearance. They are an extremely popular species that have been admired for countless centuries; their images have even been found in ancient Egyptian art. Common Names: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish

What are the best tankmates for an upside down catfish?

The most appropriate tankmates include African tetras, dwarf cichlids, such as pelvicachromis or anomalochromis, and small elephantfish. Well suited to the aquarium environment, the upside-down catfish is easy to care for. Aquarium temperature is not critical but water should be moderately soft and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

What do upside down catfish eat?

Upside Down Catfish are omnivores by nature. In the wild, they will typically skim the surface of the water for insect larvae. Then, they’ll make their way back down and eat whatever they can find under driftwood and plant leaves. In captivity, most fish are willing to accept whatever you give them.