Fancy Goldfish Bottom-Sitting: Water Quality or Swim Bladder?

Observation

Calico fantail (tri-color, double tail) active morning/evening, but midday floats near bottom, sucks rocks. Tank size? Water changes frequent. No aeration mentioned.

Likely Causes

1. Water quality: Ammonia/nitrite invisible but toxic. Test! Weekly 50% changes minimum for tanks <20 gal.
2. Swim bladder disorder: Common in fancy goldfish (compressed body). Pre-soak food, feed sinking pellets, offer peas.
3. No aeration: Low oxygen → lethargy. Add air stone.
4. Tank too small: Fancy goldfish need 20+ gal each.

Action

1. Test ammonia, nitrite, pH NOW.
2. Add air pump + stone.
3. Increase water changes (50% twice weekly if <20 gal).
4. Pre-soak pellets, feed sinking foods, offer peas 2×/week.
5. If <20 gal, upgrade tank or rehome.

Boredom?

Possible, but fix environment first. Goldfish are social – add companion if space allows.