Goldfish Illnesses
Goldfish Illnesses can make the expert or novice aquarist anxious. Be reassured that all fish owners will experience goldfish disease at some point.
Many are introduced into your tank with new fish. The most important thing is to not ignore irregular activity or signs from your fish. Use these signs and symptoms to appropriately diagnose and treat appropriately.
If you are serious about saving your sick fish it is optimal to have a 'rescue tank' set up for emergencies. The rescue tank is usually a 10 gallon tank with aerator and filter only. Whenever you think a fish is having trouble it should promptly be seperated from your other fish as a lot of goldfish illnesses are highly contagious. This seperation will also allow healing of the affected fish without the other fish picking on it.
Anchor Worm
Symptom: A White worm protrudes from a red irritated area on the fish's body.
More information on the Goldfish Anchor Worm.
Constipation
Symptoms: Very inactive, lies on bottom, appears bloated.
More information on Goldfish Constipation.
Dropsy
Symptoms: Belly appears bloated. Scales stick out straight at sides.
More information on Goldfish Dropsy.
Fin Rot
Symptoms: Fin has missing parts, appears shredded. Eventually can be completely eaten away.
More information on Goldfish Fin Rot.
Fish Lice
Symptoms: Round parasites will be seen clamped on fish skin. Fish will rub up against items in tank trying to scrape off.
More information on Goldfish Lice.
Fungus
Symptoms: Fuzzy white colored growth.
More information of Goldfish Fungus.
Furunculosis
Symptoms: Raised bumps that appear under the scales. With time these bumps will rupture leaving bleeding ulcerated areas.
More information on Goldfish Furunculosis.
Gill Fluke
Symptoms: Gills swell and appear red or pink. Fish swim only at surface. A pus like fluid may come from gills.
More information on Goldfish Gill Fluke.
Ich
Symptoms: Small white specks over entire body of fish. Slowed swimming. Rub up against tank ornaments.
More information on Goldfish Ich.
Mouth Fungus
Symptoms: White cottony appearing growth on mouth. Can extend towards gills.
More information on Goldfish Mouth Fungus.
Pop Eye
Symptoms: Eyes appear to bulge abnormally.
Also known as exopthalmus. This is NOT contagious.
Treatment: None. As long as the fish is not suffering there is no reason to be concerned.
Tumors
Symptoms: Small bumps, lumps or nodules. Similiar in appearance to warts.
Usually benign.
Treatment: None necessary. May be surgically removed by Veterinarian.
Velvet
Symptoms: Fuzzy growth of Yellow or Gold color.
Causes by parasite Oodinium. This is highly contagious to other fish.
Treatment: Commercially available Fungal treatments and 10 day salt bath. Isolate fish and disinfect tank.
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