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I work at a pet store, and have had my eye open for that special fish to bring home. Buddy showed up one day in a shipment, and was always swimming nose down.
He was so pudgy and so cute, I knew he was the fish for me. I did some research to see what the nose diving was about, and found lots of possibilities. I fed him peas, and blood worms, and varied his diet. I isolated him, and snuck in medicated food for him. I got very attached to him, and I believe Buddy did to me too. He will eat from my hand, since he has a hard time eating with the floating problem. He can't upright himself for floating food, and can't reach the bottom for sinking food, so I hand feed him. Meanwhile, I had saved some money and set up a beautiful 29 gallon home for Buddy. I did a fishless cycle and waited impatiently. Finally, I was able to bring Buddy home. He was still nose diving, and it seems the floating has only gotten worse. It makes me very sad to see him floating uncontrollably with his bum in the air above water. I continue to feed him foods that should work as laxative, but it's a temporary fix. After eating and pooping, he can right himself and swim normal for a few minutes, but after an hour or less, he is floating again. I have decided something must be done. I am contacting vets to see if anyone is willing to take some air out of his swimbladder. It's a simple procedure, I just don't like needles. If this procedure doesn't work, I will send Buddy away for Flipover surgery. I must take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people at the Goldfish Net. Through the advice on the posts, I was able to help Buddy and retain some hope. They have also educated me about the wonderful world of Goldfish, so that I can in turn educate my customers at the pet store, and spread the knowledge. Thank you, guys! |
Here's some pics of Buddy the Oranda.
