Meet Aussie the goldfish who swims upside down

These days pet fish come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Indeed, the ordinary goldfish has come to seem just that. But Aussie, who shares a tank on a pub bar, is rarely viewed with indifference. In fact, she is rather a star attraction.

She has spent the last four years of her life upside down and - as far as anyone can tell - is perfectly comfortable with this.

'We've had her checked out and she's in good health - I suppose she just likes to see the world from that point of view,' said her owner landlord Liam Matthews, 53.



He bought the goldfish from a pet shop in 2004 and says she has since become something of a tourist attraction. Mr Matthews said: 'When I bought Aussie she was swimming normally but six months later she was swimming about upside down. She seems happy enough.'

Aussie shares a tank on the bar at the Globe Inn, near Exeter, with another fish Eddie - who swims normally.

Fish experts say the condition is caused by a deficiency in the fish's swim bladder - a gas-filled sac in the dorsal portion of the body which stimulates buoyancy. Swim bladder problems are caused by an infection or are hereditary - meaning Aussie may have been given the condition by her parents.