Why are my gold fish turning white?

Question

They are two years old and are in an outdoor pond during the summer and are wintered indoors in a large aquarium. One fish turned white within a couple of weeks after coming indoors for the winter, and now I notice that another one is turning white. Any ideas?

Answer 1

It's probably a combination of genetics and lack of natural light.

Most goldfish change colors several times during their lives, especially when they're young. One of the most dramatic changes is when a previously black goldfish goes white, with orange in between (see photos: http://thegab.org/Articles/ColorChange.html ). I've never had that happen personally, but I have had black change to orange. And just like humans, their skin darkens and the color intensifies in response to being in sunlight. Once the sun is no longer present, the colors start to fade (just like a tan) in about 2 weeks. So this sounds like the first to change was right on schedule, the second is just a little slower.

As long as you aren't seeing any dullness to the color, it's probably not anything to worry about. If the new color looks at all dull, they may have increased production of their slime coats, in response to an irritant. This could either be a parasite, or being exposed to ammonia in the water, if the tank hasn't been cycled or held fish for some time. Parasites should be able to be seen on the body, and if there's an ammonia problem, the fish will be near the surface gasping like they don't have enough air, or sitting (lethargic) on the bottom, and will lose their appetites. You can also take a water sample to your pet store to have them test for ammonia (or nitrite, which is a second compond which makes them behave similarly) if you don't have a kit to do this yourself.

If the whitish areas are "fuzzy" this could be the beginning of a bacterial infection (Columnaris) which is a matted fuzz gray or whitish in color with a nearly circular outline, or a fungal infection which is more irregular but distinct filaments.

Answer 2

It's normal, happend to 2 of my comets. I just moved, and they were in a pond that was on my covered porch at my old houses, but now they're in the pond uncovered during summer, and winter inside in a tank. It has to do with the pigments in their skin. Here's a link, look for color changes and click on that:

http://www.goldfishinfo.com/ailment1.htm

.

Answer 3

When goldfish grow old, they can change colors. Just like peoples hair turns grey when they grow old. It is nothing to worry about, happens to most all goldfish

FishieFin ♥

Answer 4

Feed the fish spirulina fish food for colouring fish.

Answer 5

They are getting old

Answer 6

less of calcium and vitamin D in their food

Answer 7

BECAUSE THERE WHITE FISH silly NOT GOLD FISH !!