Mirror Carp Lying on Side: Diagnostic Approach

18-inch, 10-lb mirror carp spends long periods on side at bottom, swims slowly briefly. Asks for ideas.

Non-Specific Sign

Listing indicates severe stress: bacterial, parasitic, swim bladder, organ failure, or old age.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Water test: pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, oxygen.
2. Skin scrape for parasites (microscope).
3. Consider koi vet for tissue sampling/lab analysis (e.g., Koivet.com).

No home cure without diagnosis. Quarantine if possible. Support with clean water, salt (0.1%), aeration.