Bleeding goldfish?

Question

I've had my Goldfish for 2 years. I recently added another large goldfish to the tank and within 3 days, my goldfish was bleeding from the gills. I separated them but now my goldfish is streaked with blood down the lower half of it's body. It has been existing for 4 days now but seems on the brink of death. Sometimes he's on his side, or head down, other times he will swim around a little and not really eating. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you

Answer 1

It sounds like HEMORHAGIC SEPTICEMIA
Thankfully, most fish owners will never come across this disease. But when this disease occurs it has devastating consequences. It progresses slowly, often with little symptoms. The fish will continually more lethargic until it finally dies.
It is caused by a bacteria that attacks a fish's blood vessels. The bacteria slowly spread, causing hemorrhaging along the way, thus the name. Eventually the disease reaches the heart and other vital organs and the fish will die.

Parasitic infections may trigger the disease, but are not a direct cause. The fish may exhibit dropsy-like symptoms as body fluids leak into the abdomen, causing the fish to appear pine-cone like.

It is also often due to high ammonia levels, and for that reason is more common in goldfish. (I.e., goldfish produce a lot of waste and in turn water is more susceptible to high ammonia.)
Symptoms:
Streaks of blood in fins are often one of the first obvious signs. The may have red areas on their body and eyes as well. The fish will become lethargic, which increases in severity as time goes by.

If the condition is brought about by ammonia, ammonia poisoning symptoms may also appear. These include gasping at the surface and rapid breathing.

Cure:
Quick treatment is essential! Firstly check water parameters (pH should be 6.5 - 7.2 and ammonia should be 0). Fix these and progress to treatment. A broad spectrum anti-biotic should cure the problem, providing there has not been too much internal damage done. Medicated food may also help. Sadly, it may be too late and the fish may die regardless.

A small amount of aquarium salt added to the aquarium will help with stress and will help restore fluid levels to a normal level within the fishes body

Watch out- Human can also contract this disease. Make sure when you are putting your hands in the water you dont have any cuts or anything on you. If you do wear gloves. Do Not touch the fish.

Answer 2

Is it actually bleeding or is it just show blood on the body? My goldfish had blood streaks on its fins and scales twice in fact. It scared me the first time and i was afraid i was going to lose my fish. it didn't act different that i noticed like on the brink of death or anything but after about a week it was back to normal. It happened again a long time later but the same thing happened and it got better. Sadly, he just died recently after having him for 8 years but i don't think the bleeding was a factor. i think it might just be growing becuase each time it happened my fish seemed to get bigger. I wouldn't worry too much a bout it because it may turn out to be nothing

Answer 3

Bleeding gills can come from many sources including protozoans as the last posts suggests. Other sources include other types of parasites, fungii and bacterial infections. Look carefully for any other signs of illness. Also remove the fish from the tank and look at it's gills. What color are they, do they look normal or broken up. Do you see any hting on them like worms or lots of slime? Re post a question with this information or send it to me and I'll try to help you narrow it down so you can get a treatment started asap. I'll also watch this question for an update from you.

MM

Answer 4

i would dose the tank with metronidazole, you can get it from the pet store , double dose on the first day and then regular for the nest six,
even if hes not eating it may help, but you gotta catch this as fast as possible