Symptoms
Swimming head-down or head-up at steep angle, floating sideways, unable to stay upright, sitting on bottom.
Otherwise eating normally — the issue is mechanical, not systemic.
Quick Fix
Fast for 2 days. Then feed one deshelled cooked pea.
Raise temperature to 80°F for better digestion. Most cases resolve within 3-5 days.
Chronic Cases
If the fish has persistent issues, feed daphnia daily (natural laxative).
Epsom salt bath (1 tbsp per 5 gal, 10-minute dip) relaxes gut muscles.
Prevention
Soak dry food before feeding. Small frequent meals instead of one big meal.
Temperature stability at 78°F. Avoid feeder-quality foods with high filler content.