Diseases of goldfish. How to treat them

One of the most common pets worldwide, goldfish are prized for their exquisite swimming and vivid colors. However, they may experience health problems at times, just like any other pet. Your goldfish may have an illness if you’ve noticed that it’s not swimming as energetically or if its scales have strange spots on them. It is essential to recognize these issues and take prompt action to ensure the health of your fish.

We’ll look at common illnesses that can affect goldfish in this guide, along with effective treatment options. We’ll offer clear guidance to help you maintain your goldfish’s health and happiness, from identifying the first symptoms of illness to administering the appropriate treatments. Your goldfish’s quality of life will be significantly improved if you know how to identify and treat these problems, whether you’re an experienced fish keeper or a novice.

Irregular tank conditions, pathogen exposure, and low water quality are just a few of the causes of goldfish diseases. We’ll dissect these elements and provide helpful advice for both treatment and prevention. Maintaining a clean tank and regularly checking on your fish will help ward off many common illnesses and take care of problems before they become serious.

Your goldfish can flourish and brighten your home for many years with the correct knowledge and care. Learn more about maintaining the best possible health for your finned friend by diving in!

Disease Treatment
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) Increase the water temperature to 78-80°F and use an anti-ich medication. Ensure good water quality and add aquarium salt.
Fin Rot Improve water quality, perform regular water changes, and use a fin rot medication. Adding salt can help too.
Velvet (Oodinium) Raise the water temperature slightly, add aquarium salt, and use a velvet treatment medication. Improve water quality.
Dropsy Isolate the affected fish, improve water quality, and use a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Ensure the fish is not overfed.
Swim Bladder Disorder Check water quality, avoid overfeeding, and try feeding the fish peas or other digestive aids. Medication may be needed if the condition persists.

Healthy goldfish

Let’s first observe the behavior of a healthy goldfish. These aquatic creatures have busy lives. Fish literally need movement to survive, which explains why their movements are fluid and frequently slow.

A fish with bright, plaque-free scales is healthy, and its color shouldn’t alter. A healthy appetite is constant! These infants’ organisms are so gluttons that overeating can even cause their deaths. Goldfish are always up for a snack because they hardly ever feel full.

A vibrant color and distinct tail and fin boundaries are signs of a healthy pet. It eats well and is in a good mood.

Non-infectious diseases

Diseases that are not contagious cannot spread. Fish can be treated in a shared aquarium or a separate one, depending on the owner’s preferences.

Injuries

Although they appear strong, goldfish are actually quite delicate. Fish frequently sustain injuries from the sharp edges of rocks, fixtures, and décor. Fish body wounds can also result from extremely dense decorations or grottoes. Furthermore, because of their placid, phlegmatic disposition, goldfish are frequently attacked by hostile neighbors.

To avoid harm and disputes, see the goldfish compatibility table with other aquarium occupants.

To treat wounds, abrasions, and injuries, we recommend replacing the water on a daily basis. When there is significant damage, salt treatment is beneficial. Use a small container to dilute aquarium water with table salt in the ratio of one tablespoon to ten liters of liquid to create a salt bath. First, immerse the fish for one to two minutes in the solution. After adding aquarium water to reduce the salt concentration by two times, you can return the pet to its original pond in a minute.

Incorrect aquarium equipment

There is a widespread belief among Russian and even Soviet aquarists that goldfish thrive in round aquariums, which frequently have small volumes. And all of the equipment—well, maybe a compressor—is totally superfluous. For these two reasons, this statement is essentially incorrect:

  1. A round aquarium is an uncomfortable environment in which fish, in most cases, fish survive, but do not live.
  2. Distortion of the aquarium with round walls creates optical illusions.

Such an aquarium is very challenging to outfit, and while a heater is nice to have, a filter and compressor are absolutely necessary for the fish. The water is contaminated by nitrates that were acquired by the inhabitants. Furthermore, oxygen deprivation poses a grave risk. The heater keeps the aquarium’s water at a steady temperature, extending the pet’s life and enhancing its quality.

Feeding

Feeding appears to be the source of health and life, but this isn’t always the case. The fish must be fed in little portions twice a day. You can use frozen or live food, as well as ready-made dry mixes for goldfish. However, it’s best to switch up your diet.

It’s important to keep in mind that feeding fish too little is preferable to overfeeding them.

The fish experiences constipation as a result of inadequate feeding; its stomach swells, it floats sideways, and its movements become very erratic. It is not necessary to describe the symptom upside down. The fish stays motionless and swims belly up. Additionally, it moves awkwardly if it does try to move. Overfeeding is also the cause of this circumstance. The stomach swells, causing the swim bladder to move and become deformed.

However, keep in mind that an excess of food degrades the aquarium’s water quality, increases the risk of infection, promotes the quick growth of brown algae, and causes other problems!

Poisoning by waste products

During digestion, living things release ammonia, which is toxic. Ammonia poisoning happens frequently. if there is a problem with the aquarium’s filter system. Or there may be infrequent water changes and negligent siphoning of the bottom, both of which can result in complex poisoning. visible symptoms, such as red veins, red gills, and red spots on the fish’s body. The poisoned tank’s goldfish will leap out if the aquarium is not closed. Ammonia also damages gills, although this effect is not apparent until much later.

After the gill cover was removed during the autopsy, it was determined that the fish had ammonia poisoning. Sadly, it’s already too late.

Poisoning prevention is the treatment. Larger goldfish pollute their surroundings more than smaller ones because they produce a lot of waste. Install a dependable filter in your aquarium that is the right size. Make sure to use a siphon to clean the bottom and perform a weekly ¼ water change. If any sick people are found, the water is changed every day until the symptoms go away.

Gas embolism

The Latin word for "gas embolism" literally means "blockage." The patient resembles a fish with air bubbles all over its body, just like this. This causes the pet’s behavior to become odd. The fish either hangs or rushes around the aquarium erratically and swiftly. Under severe conditions, the population of aquatic animals swells. Regretfully, there is nothing we can do to treat the situation—all we can do is wait until the goldfish feels better and the aquatic environment returns to normal.

That being said, a situation like this is easily avoidable. Never fill the jar with agitated water. To eliminate extra bubbles and safeguard the wellbeing of your pets, mix the water before adding it to the aquarium if you use conditioners or osmosis to enhance the water’s quality.

Asphyxia

Goldfish that exhibit strange or unusual behavior may also be suffering from asphyxia, which is the opposite of the previous disease. Suffocation is the literal meaning of asphyxia. Fish have nothing to breathe; they rise to the water’s edge and have enough air for a while, at which point their movements become acute or hardly perceptible. Pets become lethargic and lose their appetite.

What should be done when fish suffocate? It is feasible to reevaluate the aquarium’s population. Fish often lack oxygen when they become overpopulated. If no one is present, observe how the compressor functions; it might need to be replaced. Put live plants in the aquarium; the fish will feel better with them. In an emergency, only a third of the aquarium’s water should be removed at a time, and the bottom should be cleaned.

Popular pets, goldfish can occasionally become unwell from a variety of illnesses. Identifying and treating these diseases is essential to maintaining the health and vibrancy of your goldfish. In order to guarantee that your aquatic companions flourish in their underwater habitat, this article will walk you through the most common illnesses that afflict goldfish, provide helpful hints on how to identify the symptoms, and provide clear guidance on efficient treatments.

Infectious diseases

Dropsy

A sickness that affects every breed of fish, including gold. The fish’s belly and body both swell, and its scales stand on end and become ruffled, with individual scales falling off growth. The fish is so bloated that it resembles a prickly hedgehog.

Treatment is carried out in a separate container equipped with a filter. As soon as you suspected the dropsy of the goldfish – it must be urgently put in a separate container. Because dropsy is very contagious, for the same reason it is necessary to immediately change 1/3 of the water in the common aquarium, clean the bottom with a siphon. The next day or the day after, repeat the water change and cleaning the bottom. Rinse all equipment and decor under running water. The patient should be treated with baths with a manganese solution. The patient spends most of the time in a separate aquarium, the water in which is 50% aquarium, 50% fresh. In another container, dilute a slightly pinkish solution of manganese, place the patient in it for 5 – 15 minutes. After the procedure, return the fish to the breeding tank, there alone it will live until the symptoms disappear.

Semolina

Ichthyophthirius, also known as semolina, is another harmful and contagious illness. Consequently, the fish with white dots on its body should be isolated from the others before receiving treatment, and the shared aquarium should be used for preventive measures. They are discussed in the paragraph before this one – dropsy.

Ichthyophthirius is a fungal infection. White dots, similar to semolina, cover the fish"s body, tail and fins. Over time, the infection eats away the fish"s tissue. This disease is caused by poor water quality or introduced spores. Perhaps you did not wash new equipment, a plant or a decorative item before placing it in the aquarium, or maybe the new pet did not complete quarantine and infected the jar. With ichthyophthirius, you can treat the infected individual with Bicillin, Formalin or salt. We talked about how to treat goldfish with salt in the section – injuries. Use Bicillin and Formalin in accordance with the instructions for use. In addition to treating a sick semolina, the same drugs should be used for preventive purposes in the general aquarium.

Smallpox virus

Neoplasms on a goldfish’s body that appear as growths on the head, torso, fins, or occasionally the lilac coloration indicate OSPU. Bruising on the fins and tail is another symptom that should be taken into consideration in conjunction with the previous one (if there are no growths, it may be a symptom of another disease).

It is imperative that you immediately boost your goldfish’s immunity if it has become pale or has lost color. Sadly, there are no other treatments for fish pox other than giving it more strength to fight the illness off on its own. A goldfish’s immune system can be strengthened by changing out one-third of the water in the aquarium every day, adding more live food and fresh veggies to the diet (which should be thoroughly cleaned with boiling water before use), and increasing aeration. Live food portion sizes should be carefully considered, as too much of it can seriously degrade the water’s quality.

Fin rot

Fin rot is a dangerous disease that erodes the fish’s body in addition to destroying the fins. Fin rot can be identified by dark veins on the goldfish’s body, cloudy eyes, and blackened and decaying fins. In addition to infecting the entire aquarium, the patient will pass away if prompt action is not taken. How can fin rot be identified? The fins, tail, and, less frequently, the body and head of the goldfish are all covered in slime. A white or bluish coating could be present.

After the patient is moved into a different container, the main aquarium needs to be cleaned and given a prophylactic dose of methylene blue, bicillin, or malachite green. The treatment of the sick fish will also benefit from these same medications.

Furunculosis

In order to ensure that treatment is administered without excess, red spots, gills, and other furunculosis symptoms should be taken into consideration as soon as possible.

Furunculosis is a very dangerous disease that manifests as red spots, black spots, bruises on the tail, red gills, black dots, ulcers, bloody feces, and bulging eyes, either in combination or individually. The goldfish appears to be blind. The fish is now completely white. gliding sideways. If one person is ill, they need to be taken out right away. If more than one, the treatment can be done in a shared aquarium. which, in any event, needs to be cleaned and treated. Antibac or Fiosept will function as drugs. Follow the usage instructions when using them.

Prevention

Since everyone is aware of and has experienced the importance of prevention, in the case of goldfish, prevention truly is vital. A hydrobiont, which has a lengthy life span in high-quality conditions, can be killed by any of the diseases mentioned above. Rather than contemplating the causes of goldfish deaths and illnesses? Check how well you are taking care of your goldfish right now. Are you taking these easy preventative steps?

  1. New equipment, decor, plants – thoroughly washed before placing in the aquarium.
  2. New pets – fish, snails, shrimp. First of all, they are sent to quarantine for 3-7 days and only then to the general aquarium.
  3. Decorations, soil and equipment do not have sharp edges. Grottos have a hole large enough so that the fish does not get stuck.
  4. Aquarium is fully equipped and suitable for goldfish. No overcrowding.
  5. Feeding is carried out on schedule and in small portions.
  6. Partial water changes and bottom cleaning are carried out weekly.

Keep in mind that preventing a disease is always easier than curing it. Pay attention to the people you have subdued.

Although caring for goldfish can be rewarding, there are certain difficulties involved, particularly in maintaining their health. For every aquarium enthusiast, knowing the common diseases that can affect goldfish and how to treat them is essential. Being proactive can have a big impact on your goldfish’s health, from spotting the early warning signs of disease to selecting the best course of action.

Preventing numerous goldfish diseases primarily involves keeping a clean tank environment and conducting routine inspections. You may maintain the health of your fish by providing them with a balanced diet, clean water, and space from other fish. Take immediate action if you observe any signs of illness, such as strange behavior or physical changes. A minor issue can frequently be prevented from growing into a major problem by early intervention.

Different goldfish diseases have a range of treatments available, from over-the-counter medications to natural remedies. It’s critical to carefully follow treatment recommendations and confirm that the medication you’re taking is appropriate for the particular condition. Furthermore, seeking advice from a veterinarian who specializes in fish can be very beneficial in ensuring that your goldfish receives the best care possible.

You can maintain the health and well-being of your goldfish by remaining knowledgeable and vigilant. Keep in mind that a healthy goldfish can add years of enjoyment to your aquarium. Thus, continue to learn, remain vigilant, and provide the best care possible for your goldfish. Your fish’s bright health and animated behavior will thank you for it.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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