Why is my fish alive but laying at the bottom of the tank?
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When the water temperature inside your aquarium drops too low, your fish might lay motionless at the bottom of the tank to conserve energy. On the opposite spectrum, if the water temperature rises dangerously high, fish will stay on the bottom because that’s where oxygen levels will be higher.
Can a fish survive upside down?
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 fish swimming upside down?
If your fish is swimming upside down, it has a problem with its swim bladder. What is this? Your fish has stopped being able to control its swim bladder and has got stuck with too much air inside it. The reason for this could be constipation, a poor diet, eating habits, or an infection.
Why do fish float upside down?
That said, the decomposition process can sometimes result in enough gas being produced and trapped inside the fish to cause it to float to the surface. So in short, fish float upside when they die because many of them are top heavy and posses an organ in their lower region that is filled with air.

Why my fish is upside down?
What can be done? A upside-down swimming is a common problem in goldfish and the cause is a disorder of the swim bladder. This specialised organ enables a fish to modify its buoyancy so it can dive or surface according to its needs. Fat-bodied goldfish are at risk because their swim bladder can become compressed.
How do I save my dying fish?
The only option you have if your fish is dying from the lack of bacteria in its environment is to try and place it in a tank that has already been cycled. When aquariums have been cycled, they’ve already been introduced to the bacteria that your fish needs to remain calm in its environment.
Why is my fish alive but floating?
Many goldfish eat like ravenous Golden Retrievers, sucking in floating food at the surface. In doing so, they inadvertently suck in extra air, resulting in added volume to their swim bladder. Additional air in the swim bladder results in a positively buoyant fish, aka a floaty fish.
Why is my fish laying upside down in the tank?
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. In some cases the fish will lay upside down or sideways on the bottom, unable to swim upwards.
What causes fish to float on top of the tank?
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.
What should I do if my fish is swimming upside down?
Minocyclin e or Erythromycin are good examples. Of course, your best course of action is taking the fish to the vet. When an infection is present the fish will display other symptoms along with swimming upside-down. There may be a loss of appetite, stiff fins, and uncontrollable shaking.
Why is my goldfish swimming sideways?
If your goldfish is swimming sideways or upside-down, it may have swim bladder disorder. Constipation, enlarged organs, or infection can all cause the swim bladder to stop functioning properly. Swim bladder disorder refers to issues affecting the swim bladder, rather than a single disease.