help with fish

[pete1001]

my fish is floating on its side and is just staying at the top of the water its still alive and when i put my hand in the water it swims off but looks like its struggling alot can any1 please tell me wots up with it or tell me wot i can do?thanks

[B00]

What kind of fish is it? Any other signs? Is it bloated? Are it's scales sticking out? What is your water quality?

[pete1001]

im unsure which kind it is but its a small black one with kind of a big tail fin and the water is very clean as i only bought the fish 2 weeks ago,it doesnt seem to be bloated at all hope this helps!

[B00]

Is it a coldwater tank? Or tropical?

How long after filling the tank did you introduce the fish? If it's immediate it could be ammonia poisoning.

[Psychick]

Was the tap water treated before introducing the fish to the tank? I use a product called tap safe every time i clean my tank. It basically makes normal tap water safe for all fish. I had this happen to a fish once too. I bought some stuff from the pet shop that is basically like a tonic. It helps pick the fish up again. Sorry, I cant remember whats its called but Im sure your local pet shop can help there. It did the trick and the fish is still alive and well!
Just curious.....does you fish have big bulging eyes? If it does, it could be a black moor. In which case, if you lose it, which hopefully you wont, you may want to try a different one. Ive never been successful with keeping black moors no matter what I try, but thats probably just me.
One more thing, have you got a filter in your tank? It could just be the fish is suffering from a lack of oxygen. If you do have one.....does it need cleaning out? The sponges inside filters need to be cleaned once a week on average.
Hope some of this is of use :)

[pete1001]

its a cold water fish an yes it does have big googled eyes ive just bought somethin called water safe an put it in about 3 hours ago an its still the same,an its in a bowl so ive got no filter for it i was told by the guy at the pet shop that this bowl would be ok for the fish would you recommend a filter?

[Psychick]

Did you put the water safe in the bowl with the fish still in it? What you need to do is treat the water first, put the tap water in containers or a big bowl, then add the water safe. Leave it for 3-4 hours. Then empty out 2/3 of the water in the fish bowl and top it up with the treated water. I would always recommend a filter, you will only need a very small on for a bowl. At the very least, buy a piece of oxyginating plant.
Good luck!
Oh, and I think it is a black moor, Im guessing it was only a quid or two?

[pete1001]

good news ive got up today an the fish is lookin better not 100% yet but i think its gettin there it swimmin alot easier 2day,i think your rite it is a black moor

[Psychick]

Glad to hear it! Sounds like the problem was definately with the water. Remember to use the water safe every time you clean it out. If your bowl doesnt have a lid, just having an oxyginating plant should be ok, if not, I definately recommend getting a mini filter.