What if your pet goldfish is lying on his side still alive?

1. Swim bladder disorder: This is a condition where the fish's swim bladder, which helps it maintain buoyancy, is not functioning properly. This can cause the fish to lose its balance and float to the surface or sink to the bottom of the tank.

2. Constipation: If your fish is constipated, it may have difficulty swimming and may lie on its side.

3. Injury or trauma: If your fish has been injured or traumatized, it may be lying on its side as a result of shock or pain.

4. Old age: As fish age, they may become less active and may spend more time lying on the bottom of the tank.

5. Water quality issues: Poor water quality, such as high levels of ammonia or nitrite, can cause fish to become stressed and may lead to them lying on their side.

Steps to take if you find your goldfish lying on its side:

1. Check the water quality: Test the water in your tank for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. If any of these levels are too high, perform a water change to improve the water quality.

2. Examine the fish: Look closely at your goldfish for signs of injury or trauma. If you find any injuries, treat them accordingly.

3. Feed the fish a high-fiber diet: If your fish is constipated, feed it a high-fiber diet to help move things along.

4. Provide hiding spots: Make sure your tank has plenty of hiding spots so your fish can feel secure and safe.

5. Monitor the fish: Keep an eye on your goldfish to see if its condition improves. If it does not improve within a few days, you may need to take it to a veterinarian.