Fish Swimming Vertically

[tony2501]

Girlfriend has a black widow tetra thats spends all its time swimming vertically, head up, all the other fish in the tank are Ok as are ph(7), ammonia(0), nitrite(0), and nitrate(0).

Anyone know whats going on.

Thanks

 

[millym]

hi
it could be a swim bladder infection. is it always swimming vertically? does it appear to have trouble staying 'down' in the water?? is it still eating??
have you had a close look at its fins/tail etc to make sure something that should be there (ie: a fin) is not missing due to injury or infection
is there anywhere you can isolate the fish? (small hospital tank etc).
you can buy meds for swimbladder infection from an lfs. it may be worth a try. the only other thing i could think of is possibly some sort of neurological damage/injury.
id probably try treating for swimbladder first but keep a close eye on it if its not eating anymore or looks very stressed humane euthanasia may be the only kind option.
let us know how you get on.