How can I tell if my black moor goldfish is sick and what to do?

Separate him to a quarantine tank. Confirm proper chemistry ( 0 ppm ammonia and nitrite with nitrate at 20 ppm or less). Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and to maintain pristine water quality. Clean water is the cornerstone of treatment and recovery. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Gold fish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F. Fast him for 3 days, then offer bits of cooked and shelled green peas until swimming is normal. peas can relieve constipation which can affect the swim bladder. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 14 days then reassess his condition. An "all in one" treatment, such as LifeGuard (by Tetra), can be used concurrently with the salt treatment. Find

Check the water quality again use a liquid 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. Nitrates can be 20 ppm or less. Perform another 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. Additionally, a 10 gallon tank may be insufficient for 2 goldfish and a Black Moor. Goldfish produce a larger than average bio-load (waste) which can quickly overwhelm a small tank and after. Ideally, provide 20 gallons for one goldfish and an extra 10 gallons per fish. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Even with a string filter, partial water changes and regular cleaning/vacuuming will be needed to maintain water quality.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Squirt, but I don't think we have been provided with enough information about her to answer your question. Is she having symptoms that are concerning/out of the ordinary for her? If so, you can post the symptoms on Boop by Petco and it may help us give an answer regarding her health.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucky. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any problems. Is there any other fish in the tank that could be aggressive? Bacterial infections can attack the fins/skin, and if the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess Lucky's health and work on a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any new fish might have introduced parasites. Good luck.

Check the water chemistry first. Elevated ammonia levels may result in a cloudiness to the eye(s). Use a master test kit (liquid, not strips) at home or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Perform partial water changes daily, in indicated, to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged/conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. If chemistry is fine, it could be bacterial infection. A broad spectrum antibiotic, such as kanamycin, can be used for treatment. Look in the local pet store or Petco for "KanaPlex". It should be in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it

Thank you for using Boop by Petco! Ariel does look like she has a little bit of white on her abdomen, and potentially some raised scales. She also appears to be swimming towards the bottom of the tank, but this may just be a coincidence in the photo. The white on the abdomen can be caused by a fungal or parasitic infection, so I recommend separating this fish from the others. You may want to change the water and sanitize the tank if any other fish start to get similar symptoms. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Thanks for reaching out about your oranda. A picture would help in an attempt to identification. External parasites are numerous and a microscopic identification at a veterinary office might be needed. Sub-optimal water quality can irritate the skin, leading to mucous cell hypertrophy. Keep water quality pristine, a veterinary visit is needed to help further. Good luck.

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.

That is not a good sign. This basically means that your fish is not feeling well. The reason for this is usually either water quality or a temperature problem. You will need to have your water quality checked or check it yourself, and make sure that the thermometer is working and the water temperature is appropriate for the type of fish you have. Check water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a 40ppm or less nitrate level. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Observe your fish for spots, wounds, blood spots or similar signs and if that happens ask us again, preferably with a good photo of your fish.

Thanks for reaching out about Gerald. First, test and correct water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, as first need healthy conditions to prosper. A veterinary visit can assist with a skin scrape and microscopic examination in an attempt to conclude a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. Infections, parasites, water quality and dietary deficiencies are just a few of the potential problems. Antibiotics in the water do not penetrate deep and do not treat internal infections, this would require oral or injectable medications. Good luck.