Dead Fish - Sink or Float?

[triggerhappy8]

When I was growing up I always had fresh water fish for years and years. Whenever they die, they float belly up on the surface of the water. Once I got to college years ago, I made the leap to saltwater fish. I have noticed that whenever saltwater fish die, they sink to the bottom. Does anyone have an explaination for this? Do their float bladders work differently?

 

[jennm]

When they first die, they sink.

As they start to decompose, gasses build up inside the body, and they float.

Sinker: freshly dead.

Floater: been there a while.

Jenn

 

[john m_ lundberg]

ares;389581 wrote: never had one last long enough to float. snails, crabs, other fish get to them first.

LOL! Thats how I know one is dead...when I see a bunch of yellow and black stripes all bunched up together...its like a pack of lions!

 

[tjherman]

JennM wrote:
Sinker: freshly dead.

Floater: been there a while.

So... saltwater tank owners notice dead fish quicker? Or is it because of the amount of time spent in caring and watching the tanks (also known as nothing better to do)? :lol2:

All I remember of my freshwater experiences was floating goldfish. Now I notice almost immediately if something is out of place, hiding, or dead in my tanks.

 

[jennm]

The density of the water probably does have something to do with it, along with the amount of microbial life.

But speaking from "this side of the counter" - YES, saltwater hobbyists in general, tend to pay closer attention than freshwater hobbyists. Reefkeepers have more time and money invested, and as such, tend to take better care, and observe more.

There are some very dedicated and conscientious freshwater hobbyists - so this is not a slur toward them - that's just been my observation having dealt with many hobbyists over the years.

Another factor may also be that many freshwater tanks are more densely stocked than saltwater tanks. If you have 20 guppies (and counting - since they breed like rabbits), if one dies, it may not be noticed right away - until it floats up or gets sucked up onto the intake.

Jenn