How to Revive a Goldfish

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On occasion a goldfish might jump out of his tank and end up out of water. This could be due to water that is too warm for the goldfish (at a temperature higher than 75 degrees F), or a goldfish that is infected with a parasite who is swimming too fast and ends up leaping out of his tank. [1] If you find your goldfish lying on the floor, gasping for air, you will need to take steps to revive him so he can live a long, happy life.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Fish

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  1. Before you attempt to revive your goldfish, you should check for signs that he is still alive and can be saved. Signs your goldfish is dead include: [2]
    • He appears dried out and his skin is cracked.
    • His eyes are concave (bulging inward) instead of convex (bulging outward).
    • He has gray pupils.
    • He is missing body parts, like a fin or a tail.
    • If your goldfish displays any of these symptoms, you may need to euthanize your fish using a humane treatment like clove oil. However, if your fish looks dried out but he does not have any missing body parts or concave eyes, you may still be able to revive him. [3]
  2. The cool water contains oxygen and will help to revive your fish. [4]
    • Some experts also suggest placing your goldfish right back into the water in his tank, even if he appears dried out. [5]
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  3. Hold the fish in your hand, in the tank water, and use your free hand to gently remove any dirt on the sides of the fish. You can also simply move the fish around very slowly in the water to remove any debris.
  4. This requires a steady and patient hand. You will need to open the gill coverings on either side of the fish to check that his gills appear red, which is a good sign. [6]
    • You can also try giving your fish’s underbelly a massage to stimulate air flow. [7]
    • Avoid handling the fish as much as possible, as it can remove the slime coat and create additional stress for the fish.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Giving the Fish Oxygenated Water

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  1. Most aquariums have an air stone, which helps to regulate the water temperature in the tank and to aerate the water. If you have an air stone or an air bubbler, use your hand to move your goldfish close to the air source. This will help to give your fish more oxygen and hopefully revive your fish. [8]
    • If you do not have access to an air stone, you can continue to massage the fish’s underbelly in the tank water until he starts to revive, or go purchase an air stone for the fish. [9]
  2. Some goldfish owners will do a more extensive revival procedure that uses clean de-chlorinated water, a pure oxygen container, and an air pipe. This can be done if your fish is still alive, but appears lethargic and slow moving. To perform serious CPR on your fish, go to your local hardware store and get the following materials:
    • An air stone.
    • An air pipe.
    • A pure oxygen container.
    • A large plastic container, big enough for your fish.
    • Plastic cling wrap.
    • Adhesive tape.
    • You will also need access to clean, de-chlorinated water.
  3. De-chlorinated water does not contain chlorine or chloramine, and will prevent the build up of ammonia in your fish, which could lead to illness and death. Use enough de-chlorinated water to fill the container half way.
    • To de-chlorinate water, you will need to add a chemical additive called dechlorinator into the tap water. You can buy dechlorinator for under $10 at your local pet store. Follow the instructions on the label to determine how many drops of dechlorinator you will need to add to a certain amount of water.
  4. You will then need to connect the air stone to the oxygen container so it can pump pure oxygen into the water. Once it is connected, place the air stone into the container and make sure it sits at the bottom of the container, in the water. [10]
  5. Avoid over oxygenating the water by pumping too much oxygen into the air stone. There should be a steady stream of small air bubbles coming out of the air stone. [11]
    • During the first five minutes, the air should come out strong and steady into the water.
    • After five minutes, turn the oxygen valve down so the air comes out softer and not as strong, but still steady.
  6. Take a large piece of cling wrap and place it over the container. Fold over the sides so the container is sealed and the fish is submerged in the oxygenated water. [12]
    • You can seal the cling wrap further using a strip of adhesive tape.
  7. Be sure to check up on your fish periodically to ensure he is getting a steady oxygen flow from the air stone. [13]
    • After two hours, your fish should start to breathe and swim around normally.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Helping Your Goldfish Recover

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  1. Though goldfish are freshwater fish, a salt bath can be great for your fish’s overall health and help him recover from a lack of oxygen. However, if your fish is already on other medications or if you are using other treatments to revive him, you should only do a salt bath before giving him other medications or after you have completed other medications or treatments. [14]
    • Sea salt, kosher salt, aquarium salt and pure Morton’s rock salt are all recommended for use. If possible, use natural sea salt with no additives, as it is high in minerals.
    • Use a container that is clean and free of any contaminants. Add tank water to the container, as long as the tank water is safe to use, or add fresh water that has been de-chlorinated. Ensure the water temperature in the container is the same as the temperature of the water in the tank, or within three degrees of the same temperature.
    • Add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Mix the salt into the water to ensure all the granules have dissolved and then place your fish in the container of salt water.
    • Keep your fish in the salt water for one to three minutes, and observe your fish during the salt bath. If your fish displays any signs of stress, like rapid swimming or jerky movements, move your fish back into his main tank.
  2. Garlic is a natural detoxifier, and can help to purify your fish. Make your own garlic water by peeling a medium size garlic bulb and mincing it up. Then, place the minced garlic in hot water and let it sit at room temperature for up to 12 hours. You can then mash up the cloves and strain it to create garlic water. The garlic water can be kept in the fridge and is good for up to two weeks. [15]
    • Use the garlic water the same way you would use salt in a salt bath. Use about 1 teaspoon garlic water per 10 gallons (37.9 L) of tank water. Then, give your fish a purifying garlic bath for one to three minutes.
    • You can also give your fish garlic water to help prevent infection. Apply it to your fish’s mouth using a syringe or an eye dropper, two drops a day for 7-10 days.
  3. Chlorophyll is considered medicine for goldfish and can help boost your fish’s immune system and health. Look for pure liquid chlorophyll at your local pet store. It usually comes in drops. [16]
    • Give your goldfish a chlorophyll bath in his tank, following the instructions on the bottle. You can also give your goldfish chlorophyll by adding it to his gel food.
  4. You can purchase this product at your local pet store. Most stress coat water conditioners are made with aloe, which helps to sooth stressed out fish and heal any damaged tissue on your fish. Using a stress coat water treatment can help your fish recover after being revived.
    • When adding water conditioner to remove chlorine, ammonia, and chloramines, be sure to have a test on hand to verify that the water conditioner is effective. Depending on where you live, the toxins in the water can be higher or lower, and the water conditioner may need to be at an increased dose.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I properly hold a goldfish?
    Ken Colby
    Saltwater Aquarist
    Ken Colby is a Saltwater Aquarist and the Owner of High Tide Aquatics based in Oakland, California. With over 30 years of experience, Ken is the only local fish store owner in the United States that is certified by Humble Fish, the marine disease expert forum, as a Quarantined Fish Vendor. Ken creates in-person and online educational programming in partnership with other marine science and biology professionals. He also launched High Tide Aquatics’ YouTube channel in 2023, sharing recordings of events he’s hosted as well as "how-to" videos covering everything from coral fragging to kalkwasser dosing. He's been a member of the Bay Area Reefers club for over 19 years.
    Ken Colby
    Saltwater Aquarist
    Expert Answer
    To properly hold a goldfish, keep it wet to preserve its slime coat, which is crucial for its health. Hold its body in a straight line to reduce stress, and if it's a larger fish, support it with both hands to evenly distribute weight and minimize strain. Gentle handling ensures the well-being of your goldfish.
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      Tips

      • Prevent goldfish from jumping out by having a proper hood cover for the tank, and leave a buffer by not filling up the tank or pond to the very top.
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      • Perform partial water changes and tests on a regular basis in order to maintain a good water quality.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • When you get a fish, make sure that when you get it looks in the best shape possible. Check that it has no black marks or missing scales.
      • Try not to move your fish too much if you don't need to because that could cause it more stress.
      • If you notice your fish has symptoms of disease, keep other fish in a different tank.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://goldfishgeeks.com/jumping-out-of-tank/
      2. ↑ https://goldfishgeeks.com/jumping-out-of-tank/
      3. ↑ https://goldfishgeeks.com/jumping-out-of-tank/
      4. ↑ https://goldfishgeeks.com/jumping-out-of-tank/
      5. ↑ http://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-goldfish/goldfish-out-of-water/
      6. ↑ http://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-goldfish/goldfish-out-of-water/
      7. ↑ http://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-goldfish/goldfish-out-of-water/
      8. ↑ http://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-goldfish/goldfish-out-of-water/
      9. ↑ http://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-goldfish/goldfish-out-of-water/
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w86YyHKpIg
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w86YyHKpIg
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w86YyHKpIg
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w86YyHKpIg
      5. ↑ http://goldfish2care4.com/goldfish-diseases/salt-baths.html
      6. ↑ http://goldfish2care4.com/goldfish-diseases/salt-baths.html
      7. ↑ http://goldfish2care4.com/goldfish-diseases/salt-baths.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your goldfish jumps out of the tank and lands on the floor, you may be able to revive it if you act quickly. Fill a small container with cool water from the fish’s tank, and place the goldfish into the container. Gently cup the fish in one of your hands, and use the other hand to carefully brush away any dirt or debris on the fish’s sides. Also, massage the fish’s underbelly to help stimulate air flow. However, you may need to oxygenate the water in the container with an air stone before the fish starts to behave normally. Keep reading for tips from our Veterinary co-author on how a salt bath might help your fish!

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      • Alisha Roberts

        Feb 10, 2017

        "I thought there was no way you could actually revive a dead gold fish, but when I found my fish dead, I followed ..." more
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