Hi,   I have a question about my oranda.  It is about 2-3 years and is fed only flake food which he makes short work of while on the surface.  Now after  reading up, it says this is not a smart thing to allow, oh-well, too late now.  Anyways, he now constantly flips upside down.  He can swim for a bit right-side up, then when he stops, he slowly rotates tail over head upside down.  His breathing is fast and stuttered.  **** breath fast then do like a double breath periodically, like a quick gasp.  He also is constantly gasping (motor-mouth) while upside down. 

I've tried feeding him peas, doing a light salt bath, but to no success.  He has passed the peas, so im not sure if there is still possible blockage.  He's been like this for about a week now and am worried im excusing a more serious problem in the place of the more minor ailment of constipation.  Please give me your feedback I hope to hear from you.   Thanks for your time .

Ive never had a problem with feeding my fish floating flake food. now, as for those fuzzy gel like things, I'd hazard a guess that they are parasite eggs. the worm comming out of your fish's head is what's triggering that theory. as to treatment, there are several things you can use. I have something called Parasite Clear, which is basically a huge friggin tablet that released medicine into the tank and kills parasites. I also have used tetracycline for bacterial infections, which works wonders. Anyway, I hope this helps. some of my information may be a little off. Just make sure you keep an eye on your fish whatever you do. Regular 10-20% water changes, regularily monitor pH and ammonia, all that.

Alright, now, for floating upside down, it seems as if the peas arent helping. You may need to find medication that will cure swimbladder disease or an internal bacterial infection cleanser. If that doesnt work, then I dont know what will. I'm sorry...

I'm hoping it helps too. It's unfortunate when fish fall ill. :S

hold on before you put your fish out of it's discomfort. I'm sure with a little poking around I can find a cure for your fish. I'm fairly sure it's swim bladder disease. Just give me a sec here and I'll try to find a cure..

OK Katarine, just wanted to thank you for your help.  It seems the medicine did the trick and my oranda is as healthy as it ever was.  He/She slowly began getting his/her bearings and is now 100% better.    Thank you again for your advice.  Im still kinda new to this whole thing as i may have said earlier and you have just helped me lift a terrible burden off me and my fish.  TYTYTY