How to Recognize Goldfish Diseases
- 1). Look for signs of disease in fish and watch the fish in its habitat. If the fish is at the surface of the water continuously gulping for air, clamping its fins, lying sideways on the floor of the tank or at the surface, or rubbing themselves against objects, the fish may be unhealthy or suffering from disease. Also notice any torn or missing fins, or unusual coloration or spots that appear on the scales, fins or mouth. According to author Marshall Ostrow, one of the best ways to recognize disease in fish is to "watch your goldfish ... learn their normal behavior while you are watching for abnormal behavior. Early recognition of trouble is a vital and essential part of a good aquarium."
- 2). Familiarize yourself with the diseases that affect goldfish. Some of the most common ailments that affect goldfish include white-spot disease or ich, velvet disease, the anchor worm, argulus, and fin rot. White-spot disease is one of the most common goldfish diseases. This disease can be recognized by white spots that appear on the fish that resemble a grain of sugar or sand. Velvet disease appears as a gold-colored velvety coat that begins on the back of the fish. Anchor worms are threadlike parasites that attach to areas near the fins. Argulus are fish lice and are difficult to see. This parasite can appear as dark spots. Fin rot is another disease that is common to goldfish. It is easily recognized by white areas along torn, jagged or missing portions of the fins or tail.
- 3). After identifying a diseased goldfish, treat the fish with appropriate medication if needed. Contact a pet store or veterinarian to help diagnose the disease and to find appropriate treatment.
- 4). Separate the diseased fish from other healthy fish and treat in a separate aquarium. Adding medication to a main aquarium could harm the healthy fish.
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