My goldfish gills are red and they won't eat. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish
ok my gold fish wont stop bleeding from the gills i have two gold fish and thay arnt eating
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 26th, 2017
Goldfish owners sometimes become concerned when they notice a red color inside a their pet’s gills and think they are bleeding which is not actually the case. This is not usually cause for concern. It is really hard for me to say without seeing them. Can you repost your question with a photo? That might assist us in helping you better. Not eating, however, is a huge problem. Environmental effects will alter a goldfish's eating patterns. These include unclean water, the presence of chlorine in its water, a dirty water filter or another dead fish in the tank with your goldfish. Check the water quality in your tank, making sure that you recently added water conditioner to your fish tank and the filter is working correctly. Look at the water in the tank, and check to make sure it is clear. Also look at the glass around your tank, checking to see if the glass is collecting stains or becoming discolored. Goldfish react negatively to food that is no longer good. Check the expiration date on your fish food and make sure it is up to date. Also, check the conditions where you keep the food in conjunction with the instructions on your fish food. Some fish food requires you to keep it at a certain temperature or away from direct light. Keep your fish food stored in a safe place, noting the specific needs of the food. If the fish are becoming ill this may reduce or eliminate the appetite. Look for symptoms of illness in your goldfish, such as any unnatural growths on its body, small white spots, raised scales or unnatural bloating. They may have inflamed gills, gills that flicker at an increased rate, bleeding on its body or rotting around its fins or gills. Look for behavioral changes, such as listless floating or constant hiding. If this is the case you may need to find a veterinarian to examine them. I hope this helps. Best wishes!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 16th, 2018
This problem could be due to a fungal or bacterial infection, but certainly a more radical approach is required. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 4th, 2017
Those may be small hemorrhages and your gold fish may be suffering from a systemic infection (potentially bacterial). The approach to this problem must be radical and logic. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for that. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should be treated with antibiotics. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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