August 2008 - Goldfish Care Information Diseases & Treatments

Jamie:

I stumbled upon your goldfish blog while looking for assistance to determine what, if anything, is wrong with one of our goldfish, which live in an outdoor pond. After going outside to feed them this afternoon, I noticed the right eye on the smaller fish was a blue-ish-cream color, almost a cloud-like color. I did not see any noticeable sign of swelling or
evidence the eye was protruding outward, both of which I have seen mentioned elsewhere concerning infection/disease. Though by no means am I a goldfish expert, I knew this condition was a new development and likely an abnormal one indicating an infection or disease or what have you.

I have done some research into it, but having limited knowledge about goldfish, and therefore am a bit reluctant to read a description of an ailment and decide, “That must be it.”

That said, I came across your goldfish blog and decided to snap a few photos of said eye with the hopes that you could ascertain what, if anything, is causing this and how to treat it. Attached are three photos of the aforementioned eye. Photos are not as clear as they could be owing to having the auto focus on, which can be thrown off by the water…so if need be, I can snap additional photos (I have a Canon EOS 20D, so taking clearer photos is not a problem if need be.).

Thank you for your help,

Joseph

Sick goldfish and sick goldfish video from one of my readers:

Hi,

I am not sure you can help us but we were looking for information as to what is wrong with our goldfish and came across your Blog and noticed you have a lot of information there and know a great deal more about goldfish than we do :). Please take a look at the small video clip we made of our fish attached.

2 weeks ago we went to the pet store and read some of the many products there to help and have been treating the water with Disease safe which apparently treats against, cloudy eye, white spot, ragged or bloody streaked fins cotton wool like growths, slimy white skin or fins and unusual swimming.
We have had both of our goldfish for 8 years and have never seen any of them get as sick as this. before treatment he was sitting down the bottom of the tank hardly moving not eating etc and after the first week of treatment he seemed to perk up and was swimming up mid to top tank again. Although the redness did not leave his back. we are now on the second week of treatment going by the instructions which are 7day treatment. He seems to be back down the bottom of the tank again and the redness looks worse than it did before.

As I said we have had them for 8 years now and would hate to lose either of them and would like to know if you can help us if you know what is wrong with him from the small clip? Perhaps we are treating him for the wrong disease. Any info you may be able to give would be greatly appreciated

Regards,

Helen & Brian