How to Identify Goldfish Diseases

Goldfish are beautiful and easy to raise, but they do get sick. Some goldfish diseases are caused by a fungus, some by a bacteria and others by parasites or foul water. We cannot possibly discuss all goldfish diseases here but will try to help you identify some of the common ones.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Watch your goldfish closely. If you see white spots on them, like little pieces of cotton stuck to their sides, and their fins are closed, they have ick. When you see a sick fish, either take the fish to a pet store or try to diagnose it online.

2. Watch for breathing difficulties. Your goldfish may have flukes. Flukes are worms that attach themselves to the fish (sometimes near the gills) and feed on the fish skin cells. The fish may rub against hard objects and the skin may appear opaque or inflamed.

3. Watch for the fish gasping at the top of the water. This indicates foul water with a lack of oxygen. Check your pH, ammonia levels and nitrites. Get your pond balanced as soon as you can to save your fish.

4. Check for loss of balance. If a fish has swim bladder problems, he cannot stay upright in the pond. This has many causes, but keeping the water balanced is the best prevention.

5. Restlessness or jumping can be a sign of parasites or lice. Again, water quality is the best prevention. Check the pond pH and seek advice from the fish store.

6. For a complete list of fish diseases, prognoses and known treatments, check out the website listed under "Resources" at the end of this article.

Resources

• Identifying and Treating Goldfish Diseases

[vanijoe]

on 12/24/2008 FIND OUT HOW TO IDENTIFY ILLNESSES ON GOLDFISH AND HOW TO CARE GOLDFISH HEALTH. MORE INFO :

http://bestgoldfishcare.blogspot.com/