pearl gourami swimming vertically

[Laser]

This behavior has been going on for about 17 days now and I could really use some help on this. I did a 15 minute epsom salt bath, but I'm not convinced that constipation is the issue. The fish spends most of its time still pointing vertically at almost a 90 degree angle towards the surface. However, when it wishes to move it seems to have only minimal complication with swimming normally.

The impression that I get is that she is swimming this way to avoid discomfort of some kind. She is capable of getting around the tank and she still eats. Should I continue with the epsom salt baths? I have not noticed if she went to the fish toilet and she doesn't want to eat any peas. When I drop the squeezed out bits in the water close to her she swims away and they sink.

 

[Ninjafish40]

I have some dwarfs doing the same thing

 

[Laser]

Yeah, that's exactly what mine is doing.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Are sure she not just breathing? Gouramis, like bettas, breathe from the surface using an organ called the labyrinth.

 

[Laser]

Well, she stays in this vertical position for about 90% of the time. My other gouramis don't do this. I know that labyrinth fish breath from the surface but she spends far too much time doing this.

 

[Fishanatic]

Well, she stays in this vertical position for about 90% of the time. My other gouramis don't do this. I know that labyrinth fish breath from the surface but she spends far too much time doing this.

Maybe it is swim bladder problems?

 

[Laser]

Maybe it is swim bladder problems?

Yeah, I am thinking that might be it. That's why I have being doing some epsom salt baths.

 

[Fishanatic]

Yeah, I am thinking that might be it. That's why I have being doing some epsom salt baths.

Fast him for 2 days, them feed him peas. That should really help him out.