Common Illnesses
The following are common illnesses for goldfish. It’s important to observe any abnormalities in your goldfish. To treat your goldfish, please transfer it to your quarantine tank.
Pearlscales are susceptible to swim bladder disease, ich, constipation and external parasites.
Pearlscales are susceptible to swim bladder disease, ich, constipation and external parasites.
Swim Bladder Disease
Causes:
Symptoms:
Treatment:
- Constipation
- Overfeeding
- Birth defects or injury
- Bacterial infection
- Poor aquarium water quality
- Stress
Symptoms:
- Buoyancy issues
- Fish lies at the surface of the water on its side or upside down
- Fish remains on bottom of aquarium
- Fish tilts side to side in the water
- Fish floats quickly to the surface of the water
Treatment:
- Constipated: feed peas as they help relieve constipation
- Dietary causes: keep your fish on a diet for a few days, possibly 3 or 4 days. Provide live food for a short time, to ensure enough roughage in the fish's diet
- Bacterial infection: change your aquarium water, clean your filter and apply antibacterial medication found in a local pet store
- Fluctuating or chilly water: raise the water temperature
- Addition of aquarium salt to the water
Goldfish Ich
Your fish may have Goldfish Ich (Goldfish Ick) if it has tiny white spots all over their body and they show signs of illness like rubbing up against ornaments, loss of appetite or fin clamping. Ich is also known as White Spot Disease.
This goldfish disease is caused by a single-cell parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.
Note: Male goldfish can develop white spots on their heads during breeding times in the Spring. These fish are healthy and behave normally.
Also: If you keep your goldfish in a pond where mussels also live they may be mussel larvae
implanted on the fish. These can appear as white dots. The Larvae will resolve on their own. No medication is needed. These fish will also behave normally. Ich is not fatal so fish will usually recover on their own if they are not damaged.
Treatment (if necessary):
This goldfish disease is caused by a single-cell parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.
Note: Male goldfish can develop white spots on their heads during breeding times in the Spring. These fish are healthy and behave normally.
Also: If you keep your goldfish in a pond where mussels also live they may be mussel larvae
implanted on the fish. These can appear as white dots. The Larvae will resolve on their own. No medication is needed. These fish will also behave normally. Ich is not fatal so fish will usually recover on their own if they are not damaged.
Treatment (if necessary):
- Ichthyophthirius multifiliis have three phases to its life cycle, and treatment is only effective in one stage of the lifecycle. Therefore one needs to know the lifecycle in order to ensure complete eradication of the parasite
- Adult phase: it is embedded in the skin or gills of the fish, causing irritation (with the fish showing signs of irritation) and the appearance of small white nodules. As the parasite grows it feeds on red blood cells and skin cells. After a few days it bores itself out of the fish and falls to the bottom of the aquarium
- Cyst phase: after falling to the bottom, the adult parasite forms into a cyst with rapid cell divisions occurring
- Free swimming phase: after the cyst phase, about 1000 free swimming young swim upwards looking for a host. If a host is not found within 2 or 3 days, the parasite dies. Once a host is found the whole cycle begins anew. This phase is the best time to treat with chemicals
- All three phases takes four weeks at 21 degrees Celsius, but only 5 days at 26 degrees Celsius. Therefore it is recommended to raise the temperature of the water to 26 degrees Celsius for the duration of the treatment
- Treat with 30mg/L of quinine hydrochloride. Quinine sulphate can be used if the hydrochloride derivative is not available
- Malachite green can also be used but it stains the plastic and silicone parts of the aquarium. These are commercial products that can be obtained from fish shops with instructions on the dosing
Goldfish Constipation
Goldfish Constipation is a serious complication of incorrect feeding, overfeeding or feeding food that doesn't agree with your fish. If you notice you have a fat Goldfish in your tank be concerned about this fatal illness.
Symptoms: Appears bloated, very inactive, lies on bottom
Prevention: feed regularly with slightly mashed peas to prevent constipation
Treatment: Remove fish from main tank. Do NOT feed your fish for up to 5 days or until it begins to be active again and resumes normal behavior. At that point feed it freeze-dried food for one week. It may then be returned to the regular tank.
In severe case, take the dried food and soak in medicated paraffin oil. Glycerol or castor oil can also be used.
This is notably an increased problem in Ryukins, Veiltails and Pearlscale types of goldfish.
Symptoms: Appears bloated, very inactive, lies on bottom
Prevention: feed regularly with slightly mashed peas to prevent constipation
Treatment: Remove fish from main tank. Do NOT feed your fish for up to 5 days or until it begins to be active again and resumes normal behavior. At that point feed it freeze-dried food for one week. It may then be returned to the regular tank.
In severe case, take the dried food and soak in medicated paraffin oil. Glycerol or castor oil can also be used.
This is notably an increased problem in Ryukins, Veiltails and Pearlscale types of goldfish.
Goldfish LiceGoldfish Lice is a parasitic disease. Fish Lice is one of the common goldfish illnesses and is highly contagious. This crab shaped parasite is about a quarter of an inch in size. These disc shaped creatures clamp on and refuse to let go. They are usually found on the bodies and gills of the fish. If the parasite lets go the area it was attached to is then a prime site for secondary infection.
Symptoms: Round parasites will be seen clamped on the fish skin. The fish will be seen rubbing up against items in the fish tank to try to remove them. They may even try to jump out of the tank. Treatment: Treat the fish for possible secondary bacterial infection with a broad spectrum antibiotic. These items are available at your local or online pet store. This is an extremely treatable disease.
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Goldfish Anchor WormGoldfish Anchor Worm is a goldfish parasitic disease. It is a common goldfish illness. The Anchor Worm actually burrows its anchored shaped head under the scales of the goldfish. The fish will rub up against anything to try to get the parasite off. These creatures cause an area of irritation that can be a site for a source of secondary infection.
Symptoms: A white worm protrudes from a red irritated area on the body of the goldfish. Treatment:
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Goldfish Dropsy
Goldfish Dropsy is not highly contagious but is one of the most fatal of the common goldfish illnesses. It is also commonly known as Goldfish Kidney Bloat or less commonly pinecone disease or aeromonas.
Symptoms: Belly appears bloated and continues to worsen. Eventually the scales stick out straight at sides.
This disease causes the belly to swell due to a build up of ascitic type fluid. As it becomes excessive the scales begin to stick out at the sides of the belly like a pinecone. It is thought to be caused by organ failure or poor water quality.
Treatment: Many experts believe dropsy is not treatable. Others believe the fish should be
isolated and treated with an antibiotic or salt bath. The tank it was removed from should undergo a cleaning and water change. Another suggested treatment:
Symptoms: Belly appears bloated and continues to worsen. Eventually the scales stick out straight at sides.
This disease causes the belly to swell due to a build up of ascitic type fluid. As it becomes excessive the scales begin to stick out at the sides of the belly like a pinecone. It is thought to be caused by organ failure or poor water quality.
Treatment: Many experts believe dropsy is not treatable. Others believe the fish should be
isolated and treated with an antibiotic or salt bath. The tank it was removed from should undergo a cleaning and water change. Another suggested treatment:
- Clean the aquarium water
- Add 1% antibiotics (Chloramphenicol or Tetracycline) to food and mix carefully (for example, 25 grams of food mixed with 250 mg of antibiotic capsule)
- Keep the fish hungry first before giving the food so that they will immediately eat the food before the antibiotic dissolves into the water
- In severe cases: add 10 mg/L of Chloramphenicol or Tetracycline to the water, in addition to treating the food
Goldfish Fin RotIf your fish have frayed fins they probably have Goldfish Fin Rot. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection that leads to irritation and inflammation of the fins leading to their erosion. Single cell parasites, like goldfish ich, are often involved as well. They injure the fishes skin and allow entry of the bacteria.
Causes: bacterial infection, poor tank conditions (overcrowding, bad maintenance), bullying or fin-nipping by tank mates. Identify the causes to treat accordingly. Symptoms: Disintegration of fins, exposed fin rays, blood on edges of fins, reddened areas at base of fins, ulcers with gray or red margins, cloudy eyes. Treatment:
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Goldfish FungusGoldfish Fungus is a highly contagious goldfish illness. There are many different species of fungus that can infect goldfish. The most common that infect goldfish is Saprolegnia.
Symptoms: Fuzzy White Colored Growth Injury or poor water conditions can cause the goldfish to be more susceptible. When there is damage for any reason of the mucous layer of the fish skin the fungus spores then enter through this breach of natural protection. Treatments:
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Goldfish Furunculosis
Goldfish Furunculosis is a contagious bacterial goldfish illness. The bacterial infection occurs under the scales.
Symptoms: Raised bumps that appear under the scales. With time these bumps will rupture and an ulcerated area will appear in its place.
Treatment: There is NO known treatment for the ulcers, but some fish do survive. For optimal survival levels increase water temperature to 80 degrees. Furunculosis is a cold temperature bacteria and will not survive in warmer temperatures. Surviving fish will frequently have scars where the ulcers were.
It may be prudent to treat with a broad spectrum antibiotic to decrease chances of secondary bacterial infection in ulcerated areas.
Symptoms: Raised bumps that appear under the scales. With time these bumps will rupture and an ulcerated area will appear in its place.
Treatment: There is NO known treatment for the ulcers, but some fish do survive. For optimal survival levels increase water temperature to 80 degrees. Furunculosis is a cold temperature bacteria and will not survive in warmer temperatures. Surviving fish will frequently have scars where the ulcers were.
It may be prudent to treat with a broad spectrum antibiotic to decrease chances of secondary bacterial infection in ulcerated areas.
Mouth Fungus
Mouth Fungus is a contagious goldfish illness, also called Chondrococcus. It is actually a bacterial infection caused by flexibacter.
Symptoms: White cottony appearing growth on mouth. It can then extend to the gills, back and fins. If untreated will lead to the destruction of the mouth and possible death.
Treatment: Commercial cures are available at your local or online pet store. Isolate your infected fish and disinfect your tank. Then treat your fish according to the following methods:
If you are unable to get treatment medications immediately then place your effected fish in a salt bath.
Symptoms: White cottony appearing growth on mouth. It can then extend to the gills, back and fins. If untreated will lead to the destruction of the mouth and possible death.
Treatment: Commercial cures are available at your local or online pet store. Isolate your infected fish and disinfect your tank. Then treat your fish according to the following methods:
- Phenoxethol at 1% in distilled water. Add 10ml of this solution to every liter of water. Repeat after a few days if needed, but only once more. Three treatments will be dangerous.
- In severe cases: Remove the fish from the tank. Treat the fish with local application of povidine iodine or mercurochrome by using a cotton to swab the affected areas.
- For fish eggs, add 3 - 5 mg/L of methylene blue to the water, as preventative measure after the eggs are laid.
If you are unable to get treatment medications immediately then place your effected fish in a salt bath.
Cloudy Eye
Cloudy cornea can be due to bacterial infection. Standard antibiotic treatment can be applied (using chloramphenicol or tetracycline).
The opaqueness can result from poor nutrition or grubs. Try food with added vitamins and changing the diet to include a variety.
The opaqueness can result from poor nutrition or grubs. Try food with added vitamins and changing the diet to include a variety.
Pop Eye
Causes: rough handling, gas embolism, tumors, bacterial infection, or vitamin A deficiency.
Symptoms: Eyes appear to bulge abnormally.
Also known as exopthalmus. This is NOT contagious.
Treatment: Gas bubble or infection can be treated successfully with penicillin or amoxicillin. But as long as fish is not suffering, there is no reason to be concerned.
Symptoms: Eyes appear to bulge abnormally.
Also known as exopthalmus. This is NOT contagious.
Treatment: Gas bubble or infection can be treated successfully with penicillin or amoxicillin. But as long as fish is not suffering, there is no reason to be concerned.
Tumours
Symptoms: Small bumps, lumps or nodules. Similar in appearance to warts and usually benign.
Treatment: None necessary. May be surgically removed by Veterinarian.
Treatment: None necessary. May be surgically removed by Veterinarian.
Wounds and ulcers
Wounds can become infected, creating ulcers. It can develop bacterial or fungal infections, or both, that must be treated (view the bacterial and fungal treatment section).
In physical injuries, the fish can be treated as following:
In physical injuries, the fish can be treated as following:
- 2% Mercurochrome applied topically on the wound
- Depending on the tolerance to water conditions, keeping the fish in slightly acidic water speeds up the healing process (pH 6.6)
- For minor injuries, if the water condition is good and clean, it will heal by itself
Velvet
Symptoms: Fuzzy growth of Yellow or Gold color.
Caused by the parasite Oodinium. This is highly contagious to other fish.
Treatment: Commercially available Fungal treatments and 10 day salt bath. Isolate fish and disinfect tank.
Caused by the parasite Oodinium. This is highly contagious to other fish.
Treatment: Commercially available Fungal treatments and 10 day salt bath. Isolate fish and disinfect tank.
Tuberculosis
Symptoms: lethargic, hollow bellied, pale, show skin ulcers and frayed fins, have fin and scale loss, and loss of appetite. Yellowish or darker nodules may appear on the eyes or body and may deform the fish.
Caused by the bacteria mycobacterium piscium. CAUTION: Disease can be transferred to humans. Use gloves to separate fish and wash hands completely after handling. The disease is fatal and there is no absolute treatment. Diseased fish MUST be separated.
Cause of disease: Overcrowding, unkempt aquarium condition
Treatment: There is no absolute treatment. What has had some (inconsistent) results is:
Caused by the bacteria mycobacterium piscium. CAUTION: Disease can be transferred to humans. Use gloves to separate fish and wash hands completely after handling. The disease is fatal and there is no absolute treatment. Diseased fish MUST be separated.
Cause of disease: Overcrowding, unkempt aquarium condition
Treatment: There is no absolute treatment. What has had some (inconsistent) results is:
- Quarantine the diseased fish.
- Treat with kanamycin and vitamin B6 for 30 days.
- Kanamycin can be bought from fish store.
- For the vitamin B6, can use liquid baby vitamins which are available in the pharmacy. Add one 1 drop of vitamin/day for every 5 gallons of water.
Costia
A protozoan disease that causes cloudiness on the skin. It is FATAL within days.
Symptom: milky cloudiness on skin
Treatment:
Symptom: milky cloudiness on skin
Treatment:
- Add 0.2 mg/L of copper to the water, repeated once in a few days if necessary. Use with caution as overdose causes copper poisoning OR
- Add 1ml/L of 0.2% Acriflavine solution (trypaflavine) to the water. But this might sterilise your fish.
- Change the water gradually once cure is obtained.
- Alternatively, raising the water temperature to 26 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius for a few days has also been shown to be effective
Chilodonella
Causes blue white cloudiness on the skin and attacks the gills. It is a dangerous protozoan attack as it destroys the gills causing difficulty in breathing, but it is easy to cure.
Symptoms: Dulling of the colours due to excessive slime, fraying of the fins, weakness and gill damage.
Treatment:
Symptoms: Dulling of the colours due to excessive slime, fraying of the fins, weakness and gill damage.
Treatment:
- 1% Acriflavine solution at 5 ml/L. It can cause sterilization in fish, therefore water must be gradually changed after the cure has been achieved.
- Raise the temperature to 26 degrees Celsius if the fish can take the temperature.