Is My goldfish going to die?

Question

Well I looked in the tank and he was on his side kind of, then I got closer and he moved, and hes swimming at an odd angle. I cleaned the tank, fed him, but is there anything I can do or is he basically kaput and done for? i hope not, I know it sounds stupid, but I would be kinda sad if he died :(.

Thanks to the people who answered my question, and to the people who told me to get over it or say that its just a fish, I know, but Ive had the guy for 3 years. Ive gotten kind of used to the way he gets all excited and comes up out of the water when he sees people, and the way he acts like he hasnt seen food in years when in reality I had just fed him earlier that day.

Answer 1

He is most likely constipated and needs some more fiber in his diet. Try not feeding him for a day then offer him something like a hulled pea or some spinach. That should help him quite a bit.

MM

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear about your fish. Goldfish are wonderful and you can become very attached to them.

It sounds like it may have Swim Bladder disease -- this causes a fish to lose equilibrium and thus the swimming on the side, upside down or at angles. The cause of this varies and so you may not know the cause. Now, if it seems healthy otherwise and is feeding well, then it may not have an infection. Infections sometimes cause the problem.

Constipation sometimes causes it, and so you could try feeding it boiled peas with the skin removed. Other live foods are good too. The fish could have ingested excess air and/or there was a gas build-up. This can happen with feeding flake food. So a diet change can help.

Another thing is you could try epsom salts in the tank and increase the temperature to about 78 degrees. 1/8 tsp per 5 gallons. This is supposed to act as a laxative and/or diuretic.

Also make sure the tank gravel has been vacuumed and the
nitrate levels are low.

I've also used some medicated food with a goldfish called Medigold. I have had trouble finding it in stores, though.

However, there may not be a cure as it could also be genetic. Especially if it is a fancy goldfish. But I would try.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hi Kelly, this could simply be a case of poor water quality, especially if he was acting normally before & you haven't altered anything about the tank. Check your parameters, you may have an ammonia spike so will need to do a partial water change to dilute it. You obviously have been doing something right to keep a Goldfish for 3 years, many people have difficulty managing it for 3 days! Good luck, I hope he makes it.

Answer 4

Sounds like a case of swim bladder or bloat. First I would check the temperature of the water. These hot days can raise the temps quickly. Be sure it is below 70. Also, drop the water level 1/2" to allow the filter to pour water into the tank aiding in the Dissolved oxygen levels. Feeding him green veggies like peas beans, cukes, lettuce, spinach mustard greens is also a great Idea and really should be a part of his regular diet.

Test your water. Be sure the ammonia or nitrites have not spiked.

You haven't noticed any funny discolorations or scales lifting have you?

Sounds like you've done a good job up until now. Water changes are also a good idea. No more than 25%

Answer 5

Aww I hope not.

Give him a day without food and
the next day give him a little bit.
Gradually give him a little more by day.

I hope for the best.
xoxo
Ashley

Answer 6

He is on his way to heven.
He will die.
Get a fishing net and go to the local lake and catch a meno

Answer 7

Ok yes it is on the road too heven sorry but they are only 50 cent at the pet store

Answer 8

just replace him. It will like what $2.00

Answer 9

HES A FISH!