Erratic swimming or spinning
This looks like: ammonia/nitrite poisoning, temperature shock, or swim bladder congestion — test water before blaming food
Why this happens
Neurological distress shows as loops. Ammonia hurts the brain; constipation tips balance organs.
What to do right now
- Test ammonia and nitrite — if >0, large volume of matched dechlorinated changes until clear.
- Check temperature consistency heater-to-heater.
- If tests clean and fish is deep-bodied goldfish-type: try shelled pea diet after fasting 24h — not for every species.
- Lower flow temporarily if fish get thrown around physically.
- Stop adding salt randomly — measure if you truly need it.
What not to do
- Don’t crank heat to “fix” swim bladder without confirming diagnosis.
Stop it happening again
Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, don't overfeed deep-bodied fish, and pre-soak floating pellets so fish don't gulp air with every bite.
If that doesn’t fix it
Persistent corkscrewing in livebearers warrants differentials — photo and timeline help.
Catch this earlier next time — log your water parameters in App-aquatic. Free forever.
This isn't veterinary advice - it's a directional read to help you decide your next step, based on the most common causes. We can't see your fish, so pair it with a liquid test kit and clear photos, and see an aquatic vet or a trusted local fish shop for a valuable or seriously ill fish.