I have 3 goldfish and have noticed the past few days that every once and a while they will just start swimming out of control and then swim to the bottom of the tank and rub their sides on the rocks almost as if they are scratching themselves. I have looked them over and do not see anything on their scales and was wondering if any of you had any ideas as to what it might be. Thank you for you time.
2007-08-01 22:15:36 · 6 answers · asked by Morganna 5 in Pets ➔ Fish
I guess I should have mentioned that they are in a 50 gallon tank
2007-08-01 22:36:45 · update #1
That could be a parasite infection. Or, it could be something wrong with the water -- too much ammonia or nitrites in it for instance. How big is your tank? I would start by taking your water to a pet store to get it tested. If the water is OK, tell them the symptoms and ask if they have any ideas what you should treat for. If they are all doing it, chances are it is the water since that is the no. 1 killer of fish. Three goldfish should have 30 gallons of water. If there is less, you need constant water changes to prevent death from ammonia or nitrite poisoning. Good luck, I hope they feel better! (if you see no other symptoms, that is also often a sign it is the water. Doesnt mean you are doing anything wrong, though you may need an upgrade or to cycle the tank, it could be one thing that needs to be resettled.) Good luck!
PS, that is BAD advice to put antibiotics and antifungal medicine into the tank every time you change the water. A, you will make the bacteria immune to those medicines so when the fish DO get sick, it won't help. And B, giving unnecessary medicine can itself make the fish act nuts and become sick and unhealthy. It will kill off their immune system -- no wonder the guy above me has fish acting so weird. That IS NOT normal. All fish will act a little strange sometimes if they are upset or something, but they should NOT be doing this on a regular basis, and certainly should not be medicated so often!
50 gallons is fantastic for three fishies, I am glad you care about their welfare. I would doublecheck that their water is OK -- even three can produce waste, especially if the filter is acting funny. If it is OK and not recycling for some reason, I would ask about treating for a parasite. Have you gotten a new fishy recently? Good luck! If they otherwise look OK, they should recover once you narrow down what is wrong (and if something is..) Typicaly they should not scratch at objects though -- I have had fish that swim clumsily since I have fancies, but when they scratch it generally means there is something a little off (and it could be related to the pet store, not you). Good luck!
2007-08-01 22:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure how you define out of control, but if a goldfish is scraping itself on the bottom or side of the tank, it's usually due to high nitrate or parasite infestation, like lice or anchor worm which are quite visible to the naked eye.
If the fish is swimming head over heels in a "out of control" cartwheel fashion, it has swim bladder problem and should be treated as that.
Hopes this helps.
.
2007-08-02 05:53:14 · answer #2 · answered by dragonfly_sg 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, some times goldfish acts a bit crazy, i have goldfishes too and they do such stuff sumtimes, but i think its natural, sometimes my fishes rush to the angle of the aquarium which is nearest to me when i get into the room and they start rubbing themsleves into the glass, so as long as u dont see any disease on their bodies, i think its fine, and be sure to keep their water clean by getting the anti bacterial anti fungal liquied and put 1 or 2 drops in the tank every time u change the water and clean ur filters. and be sure to maintain the filters clean and running well,
im not an expert but thats general.. maybe sum1 will answer u professionally............
and if u have anymore concerns feel free to ask me
thx
i hope i helped
2007-08-02 05:23:17 · answer #3 · answered by king_aqua_4e 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Could be lots of things. It could or high ammonia, parasites, or bacteria. That's a really broad sweep, you will have to give more details.
How long have you had this tank?
Filter? what's it furbished with?
Air?
Heater and temp?
Only fish doing this?
PH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings if you can.
Last water change?
How much water?
Filter clean and refurbish?
Water changing schedule so far.
2007-08-02 09:45:03 · answer #4 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like trichodina
Here is a site with all the diseases, symptoms and treatments
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/disease.html
Hope that helps
Good luck
EB
2007-08-02 17:41:13 · answer #5 · answered by Kribensis lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they just feel a little bit itchy and needs to scratch their back.
2007-08-02 06:00:25 · answer #6 · answered by jp 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋