Why is my goldfish not moving and staying at the bottom of the tank?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Gold Fish | Male
Hi, one of my goldfish not moving and stays at the bottom of the tank, compares to other goldfish which able to eat and normal behavior.. But I've changed to clean water and cleanse the filter and with good nutrition food for them.. What could I help the one goldfish that long time stays at bottom of aquarium? Thanks
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 25th, 2021
Since the others in the tank are behaving normally, this one may be sick or injured. Ideally, it should be separated into a quarantine or hospital tank Check water chemistry first, even if you've done it already. 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 (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites, with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to correct or stabilize water chemistry. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68F and 74F. Change no more than 30% of the volume at one time. In the absence of other symptoms or injury, medications cannot be recommended. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Kosher salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, increase gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on January 2nd, 2020
This could be swim bladder disease. It can be caused by infection or constipation You can try fasting Stella for 3 days. Resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas until swimming and defecation are normal. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. 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 fasting and green peas do not work, you can find a broad spectrum antibiotic in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. A broad spectrum dewormer can be used concurrently, if necessary, in case the condition is due to parasites.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on September 18th, 2018
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 it in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on January 31st, 2017
Move Patches to a smaller tank in case he has developed an infection. This will prevent spread to tankmates. Check the water quality for abnormal ammonia, nitrate or nitrite levels as well as improper pH. You can use a home test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as needed. Confirm adequate filtration in the main tank. Goldfish need powerful filtration to maintain good water quality. If you have more than one goldfish in the tank, you should have a 30-40 gallon tank minimum. If Patches has developed swim bladder issues, fast him for a day or two then feed small bits of shelled green peas. This should help after 3-4 days. If it doesn't, you will need to consider bacterial or fungal infections. This will require close examination for signs and symptoms to differentiate which so you can treat it properly. If you need to, request a consultation and we can discuss this further and in greater detail.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My fish fantail goldfish Mort has become very lethargic. He usually comes up to the top for his food but recently he has just been lying on the bottom of the tank. He still eats but seems tired. I've had him about 8 years now.
My fish can't swim correctly, he can't swim. And at first I thought his fin was missing but she has all his fins. So why could she be swimming like this. Is it hurt please help. He is just a fish but he has been around for 1yr and 1/2 so the Thou
Hi I have a gold fish which barley ever swims and sits at the bottom of the tank most the time. I have looked for any signs of a disease and found non He has a filter and regular water changes and the tank is plenty big egnouf. Any ideas? Thanks
My fish can’t open it’s mouth, and Is resting on the bottom of the tank, has a swim then goes back to the bottom of the tank
My goldfish is staying at the bottom of the tank and is bent at an angle. Sometimes he frantically swims for 1 sec. He also doesn't/can't eat. What do I do?
My goldfish, chowder, is staying at the top and won't eat. He won't use one of his pectoral fins. I think it is broken. It's red and has a white spot on it. I dont know what happened. He might have been already sick then got hurt because my dad suck
My pond goldfish had swim bladder issues so has been inside for 6 weeks. He was pretty active and I brought in another to keep him company. Since Feb 1st, he is at the bottom, eating a bit especially when I drop it right in from of him. No external
I am wondering why goldfish are settling in the far back corner of my tank with their dorsal fins down. For the past day they have been swimming much less than usual and are less energetic. The water condition is excellent.
My fancy goldfish has a huge belly, is sitting on the bottom of the tank and hasn't eaten in 3-4 days. What do I do?
My fish was happy until now. I noticed she would dart back and forth erratically, sometimes jumping, and would get red streaks on her body. A week ago I noticed white bumps and thought maybe doing a natural ich treatment would help. During treatment
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
