Who Gives A Fish Forums

Got a Royal Gramma a month ago, and it's always swimming upside down near the top. Tank's a 30-gallon with 1.025 salinity, 78°F, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10. Other tankmates are two Clowns and a Cleaner Shrimp. No aggression, but this dude's just vibing inverted. What's the deal?

That's sketchy, man. My Gramma did that once when the flow was too strong. You got a powerhead or wave maker in there? Maybe it's struggling with the current.

Could be swim bladder issues. What's your feeding routine like? Overfeeding or low-quality food might mess with their buoyancy. Try soaking pellets in garlic guard to boost appetite.

legendry wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:12 pm That's sketchy, man. My Gramma did that once when the flow was too strong. You got a powerhead or wave maker in there? Maybe it's struggling with the current.

Flow's a good point. Also, check for parasites. Brookynella or flukes can cause erratic swimming. A freshwater dip might help if it's early stages.

legendry wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:12 pm That's sketchy, man. My Gramma did that once when the flow was too strong. You got a powerhead or wave maker in there? Maybe it's struggling with the current.

Flow's a good point. Also, check for parasites. Brookynella or flukes can cause erratic swimming. A freshwater dip might help if it's early stages.

legendry wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:12 pm That's sketchy, man. My Gramma did that once when the flow was too strong. You got a powerhead or wave maker in there? Maybe it's struggling with the current.

Flow's a good point. Also, check for parasites. Brookynella or flukes can cause erratic swimming. A freshwater dip might help if it's early stages.

Mine did this after a water change with slightly off params. Double-check your salinity and temp match exactly. Even small swings can stress them out.

Mine did this after a water change with slightly off params. Double-check your salinity and temp match exactly. Even small swings can stress them out.

Grammas are weirdos sometimes. If params are solid and no signs of disease, it might just be a quirk. Mine hangs upside down in the cave like a bat. As long as it's eating and active, I wouldn't sweat it yet.

Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna dial back the flow and try the garlic soak. Will update if it chills out.