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Hi folks

A molly of mine cannot swim to the bottom of the tank, he does head stands before floating back to the top

He is only a yougster - presume he has swim bladder problems - but seems to cope well with the problem

Can this condition be caught by my other fish if I reintroduce him back to my main tank and/or can I treat him?

Thanks in advance

Regards

Dave the rave

Swim bladder issues are normally the result of cramped conditions (when it comes to larger fish) and poor maintence. When it's swim bladder disease it's often fatal as it's a secondary symptom to more serious issues.
If yours has been doing it since you got it, then it might possibly just have been born that way.
Another cause that's often seen is just diet/constipation. Too much protein will sometimes cause constipation and bloat that will press up against the swim bladder creating the swimming problems. Feeding some thawed green peas (I keep a small container in the freezer just for the fish ) can help clear things up and is worth a try. Roll a pea between your fingers till warm and the outer skin pops off, then take each of the halves and either mush them up a bit so everyone can get some, or cut. I'd cut back on dry foods for a day or two to see if it helps any.
As for it being contagious, not exactly however other fish could show symptoms just because they've been in the same conditions.
HTH a bit.

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