Comet Goldfish with Chronic Buoyancy Issues: Swim Bladder Disorder or Internal Infection?

History

8‑inch comet, 6 months of floating upside down, unable to submerge. Belly looks like a large white bubble. Condition worsening.

Differential Diagnosis

• Swim bladder disorder – Common in fancy goldfish; rare in comets.
• Internal bacterial infection – Causes gas buildup, bloating.
• Kidney malfunction – Fluid retention (see health5.htm).

Diagnostic Aid

Compare to photos at health5.htm (author’s early cases).

Treatment Options

• Pre‑soak food, feed sinking pellets, offer cooked peeled peas.
• Antibiotics (Maracyn) if infection suspected.
• Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulfate) for constipation/bloating.

Prognosis

Internal infections are hard to cure. Longevity (6 months) suggests strong constitution, but decline continues.