We have a new aquarium - purchased and filled with fish last weekend (not
too many fish in the tank).

There is one small goldfish that appears to be struggling. For the past few
days he has seemed unable to get off the bottom of the tank. His front fins
seem to be working feverishly to assist him to move around. However, I have
noticed he doesn't seem to be able to swim towards the top. The back end of
his body seems to angling towards the base of the tank.

To me, a novice, it appears as though he may have a spinal problem or his
back fins aren't working properly.

Is this normal? Is he dying? If not, is there anything we can do?

Paul Bailey
Sydney, Australia