Symptoms of Constipation
Fish floats at surface or sinks to bottom. Long stringy feces trail for hours without detaching. Fish may gulp air and release bubbles.
Distinguish from swim bladder disease: constipation improves within 24 hours of fasting. True SBD does not.
Pea Treatment Protocol
Boil frozen green peas 1 minute. Cool, peel outer skin, mash. Feed small amount 2x daily for 3 days.
Peas provide fiber that breaks up intestinal blockage. Works in 48-72 hours for mild cases.
Fasting Routine
Fast for 3 full days with no food. Raise temperature 1-2°C to speed metabolism. Feed only peas on day 4.
Resume regular diet day 5 but reduce to 50% portion for a week.
Prevention Strategy
Soak all dry pellets 2-3 minutes before feeding. Feed 2x per day small portions, not once large.
Include vegetable matter weekly: peas, zucchini, spinach. Pellets alone cause chronic digestive issues in fancy goldfish.