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My goldfish has red splotches, fuzzy growths, and is floating. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Gold Fish

My goldfish is covered in red splotches and has two large white fuzzy bulbs on the top of its head. Also there appears to be long stringy things attached to its body. My fish does not swim to the top of the tank when fed, eats less, and is lethargic. My fish also has difficulty swimming because he floats to the top of the tank. It has had the red splotches before and I’ve treated it with antibacterial/fungal drops and the splotches cleared up.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on January 30th, 2020

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.

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