Goldfish health
This is how they should look, alert,erect fins, and bright clear eyes, and hungry. Photo by Moof
If kept in good conditions most goldfish will remain healthy throughout their lives. However if they are fed on a poor diet, or if conditions within the aquarium deteriorate then it is likely the goldfishes health will suffer as a consequence. Most health problems occur because of improper filtration.
Like all fish, goldfish need to be kept in water that is free from ammonia and nitrite this means there is a need for proper biological filtration. But in cold water the friendly bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrite into less harmful substances work more slowly this is made worse because goldfish produce a lot of waste. If this waste is not removed there will be an increase in pathogenic bacteria and the waste will also cause the water quality to deteriorate. These two things together make it far more likely that the fish will succumb to some disease.
Finrot, this is usually the first indication that all is not well. The fins take on a bloodshot appearance and become more and more ragged looking, in almost all cases it is caused by deteriorating water conditions. Fancy varieties of goldfish are particularly prone to this disease because of their long flowing fins. To treat this disease you must first remove the cause; secondly disease will need treating with a proprietary remedy which is available off-the-shelf at almost all aquarium outlets.
Fungus, usually only affects fish that are already in less than perfect health. The fish appear to have some cotton wool stuck to them this cotton wool is the actual funus. There are always fungal spores present in water and these cannot do any harm to healthy fish. Fish that have been injured in some way are very prone to fungus, this can be through bullying, poor handling, even breeding. If the fungus gets a hold it will be able to spread so the sooner it is treated the better. The best treatment by far, is a professionally made one. And again can be bought off the shelf at almost all aquatic retailers.
White spot, This can affect any tank even healthy fish will succumb. You can spot (no pun intended) this disease easily because affected fish will be covered in small white spots. Although male Goldfish and some Minnows develop small white tubercules when in breeding condition and these look very much like white spot disease, the main difference is that white spot affects the whole body. The tubercules are restricted to the gill covers and surrounding area. This is because the parasite that causes it goes through a free swimming stage and with so many fish so close together the parasite (a protozoa) has no trouble in locating a new host. It is usually introduced by a new fish or even plant. There are loads of white spot remedies available. But read the instructions because some fish react badly to the treatment and need treating at a lower dose.
Swim Bladder Disorder, Fancy Goldfish are very prone to this condition. Because of all the selective breeding to make their bodies shorter and deeper their internal organs have been moved around slightly and their balance has been affected. They are on the very edge of being able to maintain the balance in the water. Anything that interferes with this will almost certainly tip them over the edge. Even indigestion will be enough to do it. These fish should also be fed very carefully because to much dried food fed at the surface will cause them to swallow some air and this will also cause the problem to arise. Always pre soak their food, or use a sinking food, Daphnia and small earth worms will also help avoid the problem from arising and should be fed two or three times per week. This condition is unmistakable, because affected fish will either, Sink like a stone, float like a cork, or swim upside down.
This is a very difficult condition to treat. And is only rarely successful. The fish should be put into a tank with the water only deep enough to cover the fish. Some Epson salt should be added to the water at the rate of one teaspoon full per gallon. The water temperature should be a few degrees higher than normal and no food should be offered. All this should be carried on for one week. After this time the fish should be returned to deeper water but still kept a little warmer than usual. It should be fed on either Daphnia or small earthworms, nothing else. If there is no improvement then the fish should be euthanized to leave it to suffer would be cruel. Even if there is an improvement it may only be temporary and it may not last very long at all repeating the treatment will only prolong the suffering.
