It is very common for goldfish to get sick, but if we are unable to properly care for our goldfish, it becomes a matter of special concern for us.
Therefore, it is especially important for those of us who keep goldfish at home to be aware of the symptoms of goldfish becoming sick and the ways to treat and recover them.
Goldfish diseases and basic treatment :
Many times we have seen our goldfish stay in one place during the day and its movement has decreased significantly, but this does not mean that the goldfish is sick. Sometimes our goldfish get sleepy during the day, and this is very normal.
What does a sick Goldfish look like?
So how do we know if our goldfish is sick? When goldfish get sick, the first thing they will do is greatly reduce their food intake.
If we observe very carefully, we can see if our goldfish has any fine spots or signs of infection. We also need to carefully examine different parts of their body, such as their fins and tail, to see if there are any wounds.
Not only that, our goldfish will be lazy most of the day and its activity will decrease significantly.
If we observe our goldfish very carefully, we will be able to understand whether there is any kind of infection in the goldfish’s eyes.
Another thing is that when goldfish are sick, their swimming pattern changes a lot, and their breathing pattern also becomes much slower.
However, we have discussed the symptoms of goldfish getting sick more clearly below.
Goldfish white spot disease or Ich :
Ich or white spot disease is a very common disease that is seen in most aquarium fishes. Ich or ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a type of parasite that can be seen on the skin of goldfish.
Our goldfish are constantly suffering from this ich parasite and quickly become sick. Due to the ich parasite, the goldfish’s immunity also continues to decline.
Usually, when these parasites grow on the skin of our goldfish, they cause a lot of white spots on our goldfish, which is why we call it goldfish white spot disease.
Due to white spot disease, our goldfish scratch themselves on various objects in the aquarium and their breathing pattern constantly changes.
Treatment : First of all, we need to control the water temperature in our aquarium by using a water heater.
Aquarium salt works best for this, so you should use one teaspoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of water. Although we have discussed in more detail below ways to help goldfish recover quickly.
Swim bladder disease or floating problem :
Every fish has a part of its body called a swim bladder. By increasing or controlling the amount of oxygen, fish can enter the surface or depths of the water.
If there is any problem with our goldfish’s swim bladder, they cannot swim properly. That’s why we call this disease swing bladder disease.
Most of the time, our goldfish will swim upside down at the top of the tank, or their swimming pattern will change significantly.
Although this swim bladder disease can occur in goldfish for various reasons, such as sudden changes in water temperature, excessive increase in nitrate levels in water, our goldfish is eating too much food and not digesting the food properly. Not only that, swim bladder disease often occurs in our goldfish due to bacterial infection.
Treatment : We need to monitor our goldfish closely, and if necessary, stop feeding them for two days. And after two days, adequate nutritious food should be given.
We also need to keep the amount of ammonia and nitrate in our aquarium correct, changing a small amount of water if necessary.
Goldfish black spot disease :
Many times we have seen black spots appear on the body and fins of our goldfish. Usually, this type of disease is caused by not taking proper care of the goldfish.
If we do not clean the goldfish tank properly every few days, excess ammonia will build up in the tank. As a result, the tank environment will be destroyed and various types of parasites will appear there. Which can cause black spots to appear on our goldfish’s body.
Treatment : First, we need to adjust the water in our goldfish tank. In particular, the amount of ammonia in the water must be controlled, and if necessary, anti-parasite medication may need to be used after consulting a veterinarian.
Fin rot disease :
Many times we have seen parts of the goldfish’s tail or fins fade and become a pale white. This type of disease is called fin rot and is an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.
Usually, the main reason our goldfish get this kind of disease is because we use very poor quality water for our goldfish tank. Also, if our goldfish gets injured for some reason, it could also be from there.
If our goldfish has fin rot, the infection can spread to other fish very quickly. During this time, goldfish completely reduce their food intake and activity.
Treatment : First of all, we need to change 15% of the water in our goldfish tank, and make sure that the ammonia and nitrate levels in the water are under control.
If necessary, we can use antibacterial chemicals, which we discuss in more detail below.
Velvet or gold dust disease :
The most common disease of goldfish is velvet or gold dust. Many times we have seen brown or golden spots appear on the head and tail of our goldfish.
As a result, goldfish repeatedly try to scratch themselves on an object. Very quickly this gold dust infection spread throughout their entire colony and our fish were constantly getting very sick.
The main cause of velvet or gold dust disease is a parasite called Oodinium. However, the main cause of this disease is very poor water quality and not taking proper care of the goldfish.
Treatment : First, we need to control the water temperature, then use one tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of water.
If our fish still does not recover, then if necessary, we will need to use anti-parasite chemicals with the advice of a veterinarian.
Anchor Worm disease :
Anchor worm disease is most commonly seen in goldfish and koi fish. The anchor worm or lernaea is not actually a worm, it is a crustacean copepod parasite.
If our goldfish has anchor worm disease, we can tell by looking at it carefully with the naked eye. However, in most cases, some part of our goldfish’s body becomes slightly swollen and red.
Not only that, the chances of anchor worm parasites increasing the most around the mouth of our goldfish.
Usually the main reason why our goldfish get anchor worms is if we bring any other new fish or aquatic plants into our aquarium, As a result, anchor worms reach our goldfish tank as carriers.
Usually, this disease severely damages the gills of our fish and changes the way our fish breathe. If not treated properly and quickly, our fish may die.
Treatment : First, a hospital tank must be prepared, in which 25 milligrams of potassium permanganate must be mixed with every liter of water. We need to keep our goldfish in that hospital tank for 20 to 25 minutes and then release the fish back into our main tank.
We need to change 15 percent of the aquarium water and use aquarium salt with it. If necessary, we can use anti-worm chemicals in consultation with a veterinarian.
Cloudy Eye and pop eye disease :
Goldfish suffer from various diseases and can be cured with timely treatment, but one of the most difficult diseases is cloudy eye or pop eye disease.
Usually, these cloudy eye and pop eye diseases are caused by various bacteria or parasites or fungi.
The main cause of this disease is very poor water quality. If we don’t clean the goldfish tank properly, ammonia will increase in it, along with nitrates. Also, if we do not use a proper water heater in our goldfish tank, there will be a lot of variation in water temperature.
As a result, there is a possibility of various types of bacteria, fungi, and even parasites forming in the tank.
Although we can easily identify cloudy eye and pop eye disease in our goldfish with our naked eyes. Because the surface of our goldfish’s eyes will be very swollen or a white coating will appear on the eyes.
Treatment : First, we need to control the water temperature in our goldfish tank and correct the water quality. In particular, it is necessary to control the pH level of the water.
If necessary, we can use antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals, with the help of a veterinarian.
Hole in head disease :
We see a hole in head disease not only in goldfish but also in various fishes. This disease is caused by a type of protozoan parasite. Among them, Hexamita and Spironucleus genera are notable.
If our fish’s immune system is severely weakened and the amount of ammonia in our aquarium water increases, then there is a possibility of these parasites growing in our aquarium.
If we observe our goldfish carefully, we will be able to see many fine holes on the front of our goldfish’s head, which is why this disease is called hole in the head disease.
Treatment : We need to control the ammonia and nitrate levels in our goldfish tank water. It is especially necessary to control the water temperature.
We can use one teaspoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of water and If necessary, we can use anti-parasite chemicals.
Bacterial gill disease :
Many times we have noticed that our goldfish’s breathing pattern has become very slow or sluggish. Not only that, our goldfish tries to stay on the top of the aquarium most of the time.
The food intake of goldfish is greatly reduced. Red, swollen, or white spots appear around the goldfish’s gills. If our goldfish has these symptoms, then we need to understand that our goldfish has bacterial gill disease.
If we use poor quality water in the aquarium, or if the amount of ammonia and nitrate in the aquarium water increases, the chances of our fish becoming infected with bacteria increase.
Also, many times the nitrogen cycle does not occur properly in our aquarium, resulting in an increase in the amount of ammonia in the aquarium.
Treatment : Controlling the amount of ammonia in the aquarium water, and keeping the water temperature under control.
If necessary, we can use antibacterial chemicals, in consultation with our veterinarian.
What causes goldfish to get sick?
Goldfish getting sick depends on many factors, such as,
- If we use very poor quality water in our goldfish tank, the chances of goldfish getting sick will increase even more. Here, poor quality water means that the TDS level of the water is very high, i.e. above 300 parts per million.
- If the water temperature in our goldfish tank suddenly increases or decreases, the chances of our goldfish getting sick greatly increase.
- The ideal water pH for goldfish is 7 to 8.2. So if for some reason the pH level of the water in our goldfish tank decreases or increases excessively, the chances of our goldfish getting sick greatly increase.
- If the size of our goldfish tank is too small, there is a possibility of rapid ammonia build-up in that tank, which is one of the reasons why our goldfish become sick. Not only that, if we keep many goldfish in a small tank, there is a possibility of similar problems. Generally, the lower the ammonia in a goldfish tank, the better, i.e. 0 to 0.25 parts per million.
- If we keep any other aggressive fish with goldfish, there is a possibility of conflict between them and as a result our goldfish may become injured and sick.
- Excess food that our goldfish cannot consume accumulates at the bottom of the aquarium, which later converts into ammonia, which destroys the environment of our aquarium and is harmful to the goldfish. In the same way, too little food can weaken our goldfish’s immune system, making them more likely to get sick quickly. Therefore, it is especially important for us to be aware of healthy diets for goldfish.
Not taking proper care of goldfish and not cleaning their tank regularly are some of the reasons why goldfish get sick. If we change a small amount of water in our goldfish tank 2 times every month, then the ammonia in our goldfish tank and the TDS in the water are controlled, resulting in our goldfish being much healthier.
How to heal a sick Goldfish?
If we carefully observe our goldfish for some time every day, we can be aware of their physical condition. That’s because if our goldfish gets sick, we need to get treatment as soon as possible.
- If we see that one of our goldfish is sick, the first thing we need to do is prepare it for a hospital tank.
- Then, using a plastic bag, place the sick goldfish in the hospital tank for 10 to 15 minutes. As a result, the water temperature in the goldfish tank and the water temperature in the hospital tank become equal or come under control.
- If we have one or two goldfish and they are sick, there is no particular need for a hospital tank. In that case, we will change 15 percent of the water in our goldfish tank. One thing we need to know is that we should never change the entire water in an aquarium at once.
- If we observe carefully, we will be able to find out what problems our goldfish are having. We use aquarium salt the most for sick goldfish. We can use one teaspoon of aquarium salt for every five gallons of water for any disease in goldfish. As a result, our goldfish will feel healthy for a while.
- If we see any wounds or infections on our goldfish’s body, we can use antibacterial or anti-fungal chemicals, such as Methylene blue 1% solution.
- Many times we have seen various protozoan parasites and parasitic worms in the bodies of our goldfish. In that case, we can use Praziquantel powder.
- Also, if we notice that our goldfish is having difficulty digesting food or is having constipation problems, we can use Epsom salts in our goldfish tank.
However, one thing should be made clear, if our goldfish has any physical problems, then before using the chemicals mentioned above, be sure to consult a veterinary doctor. Not only that, the amount of chemicals we need to use is clearly written on the entire package, which is something we need to be aware of.
Goldfish skin disease treatment?
Goldfish can develop a variety of skin problems, and most of the problems are caused by bacteria or fungus. So, we need to observe carefully to understand what kind of problem is seen on the goldfish’s skin.
As a first aid measure, we can change 15 percent of the aquarium water and use one teaspoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of water.
If necessary, Methylene blue 1% solution can be used, but in that case, it is especially important to seek the advice of a veterinary doctor.
What is the most common cause of Goldfish death?
If we can control the water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, and ammonia in our goldfish tank, our goldfish will be healthy.
If we do not control the water properties of our goldfish tank, ammonia will increase in our goldfish tank. One of the biggest causes of goldfish deaths is the increase in ammonia in our tanks.
Therefore, a proper aquarium environment is always required before keeping goldfish at home. Where good bacteria will live and the nitrogen cycle will function properly.
Also, our goldfish get sick and die for various reasons, such as, Not observing our goldfish for some time every day makes it very difficult for us to understand whether our goldfish is healthy or sick.
Failure to clean goldfish tanks regularly can lead to increased ammonia levels in the water, extreme pH fluctuations, and a more polluted environment in the tank. As a result, our goldfish are likely to get sick quickly.
Not feeding our goldfish enough food at the right time every day is harmful to them. Too little food for our goldfish causes malnutrition, which greatly reduces the goldfish’s immunity to disease. Similarly, excess food is not good for our goldfish at all. This is because excess food accumulates at the bottom of our tank, which later helps create ammonia.
Welcome to our website Aquarium Fish Zone. My name is Sagar Ghosh and I live in Kolkata. I am a science graduate.
I have kept fish in aquariums since I was very young. I loved seeing the colorful fish in the aquarium.
I have always tried to maintain and care for the fish properly. So me and my team members have created this website. As a result, we can provide you with accurate information about how aquarium fish are kept.