Goldfish Diseases - How To Spot Them, Treat Them And Hopefully Prevent Them

Goldfish Diseases 

Many small animals and fish are susceptible to diseases and once
infected, have greatly shortened life spans. 

A goldfish can get sick if his tank is dirty, the water and
oxygen levels are too low, the temperatures are too warm or too
cool and if he is not being fed properly. Even if you are an
excellent and doting parent, sometimes your goldfish might get
sick for reasons unknown. Prevention and early detection are the
best ways to help Goldie fight the urge to float
upside-down. 

There are many diseases that goldfish owners should be prepared
to treat. They may not be pretty and you might be a little
uneasy at first when attempting to identify them, but for the
sake of your goldfish take the time to learn about and become
familiar with parasite identities. 

Skin Flukes are tiny worms that reside in the gill area of fish,
consuming the skin cells and causing the fish to itch. Fish have
a tendency to rub up against hard objects in attempts to relieve
the itching, resulting in red and swollen gill areas. Relief and
a cure can be found at pet stores. 

Anchor Worm is a contagious parasite that attaches itself to the
sides, head or mouth of the fish and is contracted by the
ingestion of infection live food. The worm looks like a piece a
green, brown or white thread dangling from the goldfish and can
cause sore blood spots once it has entered into the flesh.
Medicines are available for curing this disease. 

Ich is the most common parasite that attacks fish with lowered
immune systems. Introduction your fish to a new environment is
enough to weaken immune systems and thus is a frequent cause of
Ich in fish. Little white bumps will appear all over an infected
fish, causing him to itch and gasp for air. Medication is
readily available at pet stores and should be administered as
soon as possible. 

Tail or Fin Rot is a disease that causes damage and fraying to
the fish's tail and fins, and is normally brought on by poor
water conditions and high levels of ammonia and nitrites.
Medication can be purchased at your local pet store.  

There are plenty of different diseases, parasites and fungal
infections out there just waiting to attack your poor
defenseless goldfish. By monitoring and properly caring for your
pet, you will improve your goldfish's chances of avoiding
illness.