A Man Invented a Tiny ‘Wheelchair’ to Help His Disabled Goldfish Swim
Sometimes the most unlikely stories are the ones that stop you in your tracks. In this case, it began with a struggling goldfish in Texas, left unable to swim and fading fast. For most people, that might have been the end of the story.
But when the fish ended up at a local aquarium shop, the manager saw more than just a lost cause. He decided to step in, and what followed was an act of creativity and care that gave the little fish a surprising new lease on life.
Derek Creates a Wheelchair for a Goldfish
Derek managed an aquarium store in San Antonio and when he took the fish in, he knew traditional recovery seemed impossible because the animal’s fins had atrophied from inactivity. He built a flotation device using airline tubing, weights, and styrofoam. The setup worked by propping the fish upright and balancing buoyancy so it could move with less effort.
Gradually, the manager refined his invention and added mesh to reduce discomfort and allow easier feeding. He upgraded the fish’s tank conditions as well. These adjustments made daily life less stressful for the fish and restored mobility that had been lost for months.
Derek checked the device daily and made sure to watch for any signs of rubbing or irritation. His dedication and creativity helped extend the animal’s life far beyond expectations, and the story spread online when his friend, YouTuber Taylor Dean, shared it with a larger audience.
How the Fish’s Condition Developed
The condition responsible for the fish’s deteriorating health was swim bladder disorder, which was affecting its buoyancy. A healthy swim bladder functions like a natural floatation organ and makes way for the fish to rise, sink, or hover in the water.
When compromised, it leaves the animal tilted, floating upside down, or sinking to the tank’s bottom. Causes tend to vary widely and may range from diet-related issues to bacterial infection or tumors.
Goldfish often encounter problems when overfed with floating pellets. These pellets can cause them to gulp excess air or lead to constipation that puts pressure on the swim bladder. Poor water quality further contributes by weakening the immune system and leaving fish susceptible to infection. Tumors, though less common, represent another possible cause.
Treatments depend on identifying the underlying problem. They can include fasting the fish, feeding fibrous vegetables such as peas or zucchini, prescribing antibiotics for infection, or, in rare cases, surgical procedures to correct or remove tumors. The condition is treatable in many situations if diagnosed correctly and addressed promptly.
Expert Opinions on the Device
Image via iStockphoto/Andrii Khomyshyn
While Derek’s invention drew international attention, not all experts supported the method. Dr. Catherine McClave, a marine biologist at The Fish Doctor, cautioned that flotation devices can pose risks. She explained that fish skin acts as a first line of defense against infection. For this reason, any object that presses or rubs against the skin can cause breaks and expose the fish to bacteria in the water.
This risk could lead to systemic infection and potentially shorten the fish’s life. McClave emphasized that professional evaluation should always come before improvising solutions. She noted that “swim bladder disease” is a broad term, and identifying the cause is essential.
In her view, diet and water quality are often overlooked but critical to prevention. Following the article that raised these concerns, Derek responded that he had already attempted dietary changes and medication before building the device. He reported monitoring the fish closely and confirmed that he would discontinue the chair if it caused harm.