My new goldfish isn't eating and is lethargic. What's wrong?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 3rd, 2020

  Check the water chemistry first. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform a partial water change, if indicated, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68 F and 72 F. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. In the absence of other symptoms, medication would not be recommended at this time.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on June 3rd, 2019

  The water change may have upset the balance in the tank. Check water quality using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. the local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels may cause the symptoms reported. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. If necessary, perform a partial water change (no more than 30% total volume at a time). Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F. If the symptoms return, use a broad spectrum antibiotic or an "all in one" treatment. Either can be found in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on April 27th, 2018

  Check the water chemistry to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. You can do this using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Perform partial water changes (no more than 30% total volume at a time) to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. If all 7 fish are goldfish, a large tank is strongly recommended. The general rule is 20 gallons for the first fish and 10 additional gallons per extra fish. This is due to the goldfish producing a larger than average bio load (wastes) which can quickly overwhelm a small tank. Check the water temperature as well. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F (18.3 C) and 72 F (22.2 C). The use of antibiotics or other medications would not be recommended in the absence of symptoms of illness or infection. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, reduce stress and aid in any recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt per 5 gallons (19 liters) of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess their condition. Perform partial water changes afterwards to decrease salinity.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful