Symptoms
Distended belly. Long stringy feces dragging from anus. Reduced appetite. Slow swimming.
Distinguish from bloat: constipation responds to fasting; bloat does not.
Treatment Protocol
Day 1-3: complete fast. No food.
Day 4-5: feed thawed peas (skin removed) twice daily. High fiber breaks up impaction.
Day 6-7: resume normal feeding at half quantity. Watch for normal feces.
- ✦Pea must be cooked/thawed first, skin removed for digestion
- ✦Daphnia is also high-fiber and works for fish that refuse peas
- ✦Soak dry pellets briefly before feeding to reduce dry mass
Prevention
One fasting day per week — every week. Goldfish, bettas, and large cichlids especially benefit.
Variety: mix pellets with frozen foods, vegetables, occasional live foods.
Avoid overfeeding — most constipation is from overconsumption.
When It Becomes Serious
Constipation lasting beyond 7 days, accompanied by belly pinecone scales, suggests bloat or internal infection.
Move to bloat or bacterial infection treatment protocols.