My goldfish has what looks like ich but appears to be trying to breed as if they are tubernecles. Ideas?

Question

The white spots are slight on his torso, and slightly more so on his tail, it doesn't look like a horrendous infestattion (yet) it it IS ich, but I'm not sure it is.

The reason for my suspicion is "he" suddenly and coincidentally has taken a sudden massive interest in the one other goldfish in the bowl. I know nothing of fish breeding but "he" is displaying the classic courting signs of any animal, increased interest, non-aggressive 'chasing', rubbing himself against the other fish, etc.

Is it possible that white spots around the body can indicate breeding time for "him"?

I don't want to start treating a healthy fish if "he" indeed doesn't have ich.

The white spots are slight on his torso, and slightly more so on his tail, it doesn't look like a horrendous infestattion (yet) it it IS ich, but I'm not sure it is.

The reason for my suspicion is "he" suddenly and coincidentally has taken a sudden massive interest in the one other goldfish in the aquarium. I know nothing of fish breeding but "he" is displaying the classic courting signs of any animal, increased interest, non-aggressive 'chasing', rubbing himself against the other fish, etc.

Is it possible that white spots around the body can indicate breeding time for "him"?

I don't want to start treating a healthy fish if "he" indeed doesn't have ich.

I meant to say aquarium, not bowl. Sorry, force of habit.

Answer 1

While I wouldn't say it's impossible, I've never seen the breeding tubercles extend onto the tail before - usually they're confined to the gill plates (operculum) and nearby areas of the head plus the front edges of the fins.

But you're correct in saying this sounds like spawning behavior as well. It may be that your fish has both going on!

Have you noticed if the fish is trying to rub against anything other than other fish?

I understand reluctance on your part for not wanting to treat your fish unless you know for certain that this is ich - especially not to treat with chemicals in case eggs are laid, since you could have fry before the treatment is over.

Have you thought of trying a salt dip to treat the goldfish? This is a relatively harmless treatment if he's got an overproduction of tubercles, and you could keep him (and the other fish) under observation until you can better decide which he has. At the very least, it can make the parasites drop off him, although there may be others in the tank to reinfect him and the other fish if they are ich, but if the spots disappear and reappear, you'll know the spots aren't tubercles. Here's info on treating ich with salt/dips: http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/ich.shtml

Good luck with this.

Answer 2

I too am lead to believe it sounds like ich. I have seen the breeding tubes extend to the head and upper body but not as far as the tail. Has the other fish shown any signs of the parasite?

Salt dips are left to other fish not goldfish. This creats numerous problems with goldies and doesn't rid the tank of ich.

How old are your goldfish and are you sure you have a male and a female? if you aren't sure you will need to double check your fish.

Goldfishwill try to reproduce no matter what disease they have that is the way they are. Although these "spots" to appear in some types of goldies they don't appear in all. What type do you have?

I would have to bet more towards the ich. I would keep an eye on him and if it spreads to the other fish treat for ich immediately.

Answer 3

If you have a Pearlskinned Goldfish the male of the species will have what appears to look like ich when he is ready to breed. This will disappear and does not require intervention.

Answer 4

why do you have self assurance they're 4-8weeks previous? they could be super small if that have been the case and does not be offered that youthful, so truly on condition which you bred them your self might they be that youthful. goldfish will oftentimes chase eachother while mating, yet 4-8weeks as you have self assurance they're is far to youthful to be breeding or showing indicators of desirous to reproduce. although if the fish are the comparable intercourse they must try this as a breeding ritual (specific, which potential your fish would be gay). although, i've got self assurance they could be enjoying. as long as a results of fact the bites are little nibbles and no injury is executed they must be nice. although if it starts getting tough you will ought to separate them.

Answer 5

yea it's ICK
thats what happened to my betta fish