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I'll save everyone a long story about where I was and why, and just say that today I saw the most disturbing thing and I'm hoping someone here can help me understand it.

Be prepared to get angry.

Picture this... A 10 gallon tank, no gravel/plants, one bubble curtain and two black moors in it. ]:|

One of the black moors is about the size of a softball at least. The other black moor is about half that size and laying on his side at the bottom of the tank.

Upon immediately questioning the owner as to what is wrong with him, their only response was "He's been like that forever. He's alright though because he still eats." ]

The owner than proceeded to dump food into the tank. Once the one at the bottom noticed the food he started swimming in a circle very frantically.

During his spinning he would slowly rise up off the bottom (but always remaining on his side) and then fall back down.

I am still in a state of shock over seeing that horrific scene. :#(

Obviously everyone here knows about how cruel this situation is, but I am wondering what exactly is wrong with the one black moor...

The moor on its side likely had SBD (Swim Bladder Disorder). They can live for many years with it. Some float right side up, sideways, and even upside down. Others can't get up off the bottom, with similar configurations. I can guarantee you that the living conditions are contributing. High nitrates are thought to contribute to SBD and in a 10 gallon with even one goldfish that size, it would be impossible to keep nitrates below the recommended 40ppm with daily water changes, and there are two in there. I'll be nitrates are above 300ppm in that tank.

Secondly, diet plays a role. Fancy goldfish have that scrunched spine (genetics) and it compresses internal organs, eventually affecting the swim bladder. Dried foods of the same make, old foods, cause a full intestine. Fish with SBD should be fed less - a tiny amount twice a day, rather than alot all at once. Also, fish can be aided by feeding deshelled peas daily, and even moreso, by feeding sheet algae sold under the name of Seaweed Selects, Seaweed Salad, Sea Veggies. They pull in moisture and become gel-like. This moisture then makes its way into the gut and aids digestion, along with the fiber.

Those fish need a much larger tank and better foods. Foods older than 90 days are devoid of their best nutrients.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 08-Mar-2005 07:37

SBD without a doubt. I doubt that they grew to that size in the tank, which is rather sad. The pea would likely be the easiest and quickest fix.
However this person is also unable to care for the creatures properly, and I'd urge you to have them either 1.Purchace a minimum of a 75 gallon tank for them or 2. Return them to the LFS.

^_^
[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

Agreed that the moor most likely would not have grown that big in a 10 gallon. The fish would have stunted for sure just from the nitrates.