Goldfish Diseases

The most effective way to keep goldfish healthy is to ensure a clean and hospitable environment for their living. 'Prevention is always better than cure', but most of us wake up to the reality of a fish getting diseased only after it gets affected. Simple measures like a clean and hygienic habitat for them can minimize the risk, almost to the extent of making it void. Nevertheless, it is always recommendable to have elementary knowledge about various goldfish disease symptoms and their causes, in order to seek instant remedies for the same.

Common Goldfish Diseases

A list of common goldfish diseases and brief information on them is mentioned as follows.

Goldfish Fin Rot: Unhealthy and a hostile environment is a major cause for this disease. Fishes too face a problem of 'stressful' living conditions, mainly due to unclean or infrequent cleaning of water, restricted oxygen supply, unfamiliar environment, overcrowding, frequent shifting and handling. This disease is mainly caused by bacterial or fungal infection or a combination of both. The fins appear ragged, worn out and a white hazy look develops near the fin edges. The tissues can be cured completely but the diseases should not be allowed to spread to the main body. Applying malachite green on the fish tips will a Q tip a number of times can cure a fin rot. However, it should be detected early, before the body is affected.

Goldfish Ick or Ich: It is characterized by white spots on the fish body. These are caused by a parasitic organism and digs into the fish body if left unattended. The parasite falls off the body once it grows into cysts which produces many such parasites, which can infect the whole tank. These usually thrive in slightly below normal temperatures. Maintaining the temperature of aquarium water to around 28-30 degree Celsius and adding 7-8 teaspoons of aquarium salt per gallon is a good way to get rid of goldfish ick. Another, bigger version of this disease is a fungal infection, also known as Saprolegnia.

Constipation: Too much of processed food may result in goldfish constipation just as humans are affected by it. Abnormal swelling of the fish or long trailing feces are a common symptom of this disease. Including a varied and natural diet is the best way to avoid and cure goldfish constipation.

Goldfish Bladder Disease: If a goldfish is found floating on the top or sunk to the bottom, there are buoyancy issues with the fish. This is normally called as swim bladder disease characterized by the formation of a gas filled 'bag' like structure in the dorsal part of the fish. The best way to treat this problem is to avoid feeding the fish for a few days. Once you resume feeding, the diet should mainly consist of peas or green leafy vegetables like spinach or lettuce. Even soaked fish pellets and flakes are good with the only precaution that no over feeding takes place.

HITH Disease: HITH or hole-in-the-head is an 'ugly' goldfish disease, leading to severe infection in them. It is caused by a bacteria called Hexamita, and as the name suggests, there are holes in the head and the nasal area of the fish. It can get really ugly if not taken care of in time. Common measures like cleaning water of the fish tank regularly, using slightly higher temperature and immediately reducing overcrowding of the fish, are the common remedial actions.

Goldfish diseases are pretty similar to human diseases. These aquarium fish are a nice value addition to your fish tank, provided they are in healthy condition. If you are fond of petting these creatures and adding to the beauty and possessions of your house, goldfish care is essential for the healthy living of these fish.