Do Fish Scales Grow Back?

Question

My goldfish became caught between the filter and the wall of the fish tank. I managed to free him, but now all the scales under his belly have fallen off (or been scraped off). I have added some antibiotics to the tank to help protect the area...but will they ever grow back ? and if so do you know how long it usually takes?
Thanx

Answer 1

Hi Psycgirl, yes the scales on your Goldfish will grow back but as he has lost a large number, in addition to the antibiotic/salt treatment you must ensure his tank water is absolutely perfect by regular partial water changes & keep a close eye on your parameters. The scales should all have regrown in a few weeks but the new growth may appear lighter than the old at first & gradually darken to match his main colour.

Now you are fixing is scales you need to ensure this doesn't happen again by re-sighting the filter so the gap behind it is either way too small for any fish to get through or far enough away from the glass so they can pass behind it with ease. If it is one of the internal type secured with suckers they function perfectly well simply stood on a solid surface such as a rock in the tank. If this is not possible cut a piece of filter sponge to fit securely behind your filter blocking off access-you can buy blocks of this for sponge filters from aquarium stores.

Answer 2

Yes. As long as the water quality is good and the fish is eating a quality food, the scales will grow back. The new scale might be a little smaller or different color, however. Goldfish and koi living in a healthy environment are able to recover from minor physical damage, like accidental scale loss or split fins, quite easily. When water quality is poor or the tank over-stocked the fish’s immune system is suppressed. Under these conditions a minor injury can quickly become infected by bacterial or fungal pathogens. So the key for recovery is to maintain healthy tank conditions at all times.
Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Yes they'll grow back. Keep up with your water changes and keep the perameters in order. Remove what ever caused the scales to come off. Rough rocks are a culprit. Plecostomus is a likely suspect in missing scales. Get rid of that ugly thing if you have one, you don't need one in a goldfish tank. (let them eat that green stuff) Watch the area for infection and or fungus (red streaking or fuzzy whitish stuff). Usually if the fish is strong he'll recover just fine. It may take a while for the new scales to be as brilliant as the old scales but that will return in time as well.

Answer 4

My fish had this deiases once and they lost their scales and died. DON"T GET SCARED THOUGH. they were sick, yours was just stuck to the filter. It was a good choice to put in some antibiotics. did you put in melafix, it's good and should be found in most fish stores. They should grow back but it may take a while.

is he acting normal, i mean does he act lke he did before his scales got scraped off? Is he is, he should be fine. If not just keep on doing wat you have been doing and give him sometime. don't get worried yet.

anyway, hope that helps

Answer 5

Yes,but they seem to grow back smaller and lighter in color.I can't remember how long it took for my fish's to grow back.I would add some Stress Coat and a bit of aquarium salt to the tank as well;these really help the fish to keep their slime coating and fight stress.

Answer 6

they will grow back just fine it might take a long time thou thinking a couple months but youll soon enough it will be there once again besides that just make sure it donsent catch any illnesses and that it returns to its regular life style

Answer 7

Yes, but it takes quite a while.
Good Luck

2N!$H

Answer 8

yes, they do grow back.

Answer 9

Yes, and it depends how they are treated