How to Save a Dying Goldfish

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If you own goldfish and love having them as pets, it can be very distressing if they show signs of dying. There are many reasons a goldfish may die, from disease to depression. But by taking early steps, you may be able to save a dying goldfish and even enjoy him for 10-20 years. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Assessing the Problem

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  1. If you have a sick goldfish, it’s important to separate him from any other goldfish so that he doesn’t transmit any potential diseases. If you only have one goldfish, leave him in his tank.
    • If you move a sick goldfish to a “hospital” tank, transport him in plastic bag that is inside of a paper bag so that your goldfish doesn’t get stressed.
    • You may want to fill the water in the new tank with water from the old tank, though if the water is causing your fish to die, this may exacerbate the problem. [2] If you place the fish in new water, simply put the plastic bag into the water for 15-20 minutes to help the temperature adjust and not shock your fish. [3]
  2. Most dying fish can be easily revived with changes to the water. Maintaining water quality is essential to keeping your fish happy and healthy—and alive. [4]
    • You can buy a fish tank water testing kit at most pet stores. [5]
    • These tests can help you identify any problems with the water, such as high ammonia.
    • Test the temperature to make sure it is between 50 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. [6]
    • Test the water for acidity. Most fish thrive at a neutral pH level of approximately 7. [7]
    • If the water is too acidic, you can buy a chemical neutralizer at most pet stores. [8]
    • Test for oxygenation to help ensure that the saturation exceeds 70%. [9]
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  3. Goldfish produce a lot of waste and the tank water can quickly become dirty and filled with ammonia or bacteria and algae. Simply cleaning the tank and changing the water may help immediately save your fish.
    • Put your goldfish in a separate tank while cleaning and replacing the water.
    • You should clean the tank once a week to keep it from forming bacteria.
    • Remove 15% of the water, all of the gravel, and any algae you find.
    • Don’t use any chemicals in the water. Simply cleaning off gravel and any chemicals that have evaporated on the sides of the tank is sufficient. [10] Small amounts of chemicals or soap can kill fish.
    • Fill the tank with fresh, clean, and cold tap water. Add a dechlorinator to the new water to remove excess chlorine.
  4. After you’ve cleaned the tank and changed the water, observe your goldfish for a few days to see if this measure revives him. This may help you pinpoint what was or is ailing your goldfish. [11]
    • You may see immediate results, such as if the tank didn’t have enough oxygen, or it may take a couple of days for your goldfish to adjust to the new tank and water.
    • Wait a day or two before trying other treatments to help ensure that you don’t treat your goldfish for an illness it doesn’t have, possibly causing it harm.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Reviving Your Goldfish

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  1. There are many different symptoms of illness in goldfish. Identifying the symptoms properly and early can help you save your goldfish from dying.
    • The best time to check for signs of disease or death is before feeding.
    • Breathing disorders: look for symptoms such as gasping for air, rapid breathing, skimming the surface of the tank water, or lying at the bottom of the tank, which may indicate disease or poor quality water.
    • Internal parasites: goldfish are naturally very hungry and if you notice that your fish isn’t eating or is losing weight, it might indicate internal parasites.
    • Swim bladder disease: see if your fish is swimming erratically, upside down, or rubbing up against surfaces it may indicate everything from bladder disease to improper feeding.
    • Fungal disease: if your goldfish exhibits symptoms such as folded or torn fins, discolored spots, lumps or bumps, protruding eyes, pale gills, or is bloated, these can be signs of fungal disease.
    • Fin rot: this is one of the most common fungal diseases in fish and presents with symptoms such as milky white areas on the fins or tail and a ragged appearance of the fins.
  2. Once you’ve identified symptoms of a dying goldfish, see if any other fish in the tank are suffering from similar signs. This may help you identify what the underlying cause of your goldfish’s illness is.
  3. You can treat diseases such as fungal infections and tail rot by removing the tank filter properly and treating the water. This may help save your fish from dying.
    • Remove the active carbon filters in the tank and use commercial treatments such as Maracyn-Two for fin rot or methylene blue for fungal infections.
    • If you aren’t sure whether your fish has a fungal infection or tail rot, don’t use this treatment. Using chemicals to address a problem that doesn’t exist can seriously harm your goldfish.
  4. If you notice that you fish have white spots on their bodies, they likely have a disease caused by ich parasites or they may also have anchor worms or lice. Using a heat and salt method can help treat the disease and save your goldfish. [12]
    • Slowly raise the temperature of your aquarium to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) over a 48 hour period to stop the ich parasites from reproducing. [13] Keep the tank at this temperature for 10 days. [14]
    • Add one tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons (18.9 L) of water. [15]
    • Change the tank water every couple of days. [16]
    • Reduce the water temperature gradually back to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). [17]
    • You may use the heat and salt method if there are healthy fish in the tank. This may also help remove single parasites that have infected healthy fish. [18]
  5. Some fish may have swim bladder disease that is not helped by changing the tank water. Feeding your fish veggies, such as frozen peas, and low protein food may help alleviate a swim bladder disease.
    • Frozen peas are a good choice because they’re rich in fiber and they sink to the tank and your goldfish won’t have to search for it at the surface.
    • Don’t overfeed your sick fish. Only give them new food when they’ve finished their last feeding. Not following this could cause an ammonia problem in the tank and make the fish even sicker.
  6. If you notice your goldfish has parasites such as anchor worms, you may be able to excise the parasites with tweezers. Be sure to do this gently so that you don’t harm or kill your goldfish.
    • Some parasites burrow deeply into fish. You may want to combine excision with killing off parasites with a commercial treatment.
    • Make sure to grip the parasite as closely to the wound on your fish as possible to help ensure you remove the entire parasite.
    • Place your goldfish in the water every minute or so he can catch his breath.
    • It may take a few weeks for parasites to disappear from your tank.
    • Only use this method if you’re sure your goldfish has worms or parasites and if you can handle them gently enough to not kill the fish.
  7. If you’re not sure what is ailing your fish, try using a commercial fish medication to treat any illness. This may save your fish from any diseases or parasites. [19]
    • You can get commercial fish medication at most pet stores and even some larger retail stores.
    • Be aware that commercial fish medications are not regulated by government agencies, which means the treatments may be useless or could harm your fish. The best treatment is always being sure of the disease for which you’re treating. [20]
  8. You might find that home treatments don’t cure your fish. If this is the case, take the fish to the vet. He may be able to identify why your goldfish is showing the symptoms of dying and develop a treatment plan.
    • Make sure to transport your fish in a plastic bag that is covered by a paper bag so that she doesn’t get stressed.
    • Be aware that a vet might not be able to help your fish and that it might die even with vet care.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Preventing Disease in Your Goldfish

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  1. Preventing disease in your goldfish is the best way to save it from dying. From cleaning the tank regularly to feeding your goldfish a varied diet, taking proper care of your goldfish can help minimize the risk of death. [21]
  2. Keeping the water your goldfishes swim in clean is essential to keeping him alive. You need to not only make sure the water is the optimal temperature, but also that there is sufficient oxygen in the tank. [22]
    • Goldfish thrive in water temperatures between 50 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. [23] The cooler the water is, the higher its oxygen content.
    • Goldfish produce a lot of waste, which causes the level of ammonia to increase in the tank, which in turn increases the risk for disease or death. [24]
    • Test water every week to help ensure that the water quality is high. [25]
  3. If you clean your tank regularly, it will not only maintain the water quality, but will also remove any bacteria or algae that could endanger your goldfish’s life. [26] Weekly cleanings can go a long way to preventing disease in fish. [27]
    • Change out several gallons of water every week to remove excess chemicals. [28]
    • Clean gravel and the sides of the tank from any algae or slime that may have developed. [29]
    • Prune any plants that have overgrown. [30]
    • Clean or replace the charcoal filter once a month. [31]
    • Make sure to not use any chemical or soaps to clean the tank, as these can kill your fish.
  4. One of the best ways to prevent death in your goldfish is to feed him a balanced and varied diet. It’s equally important to not overfeed your goldfish, which can not only make the fish sick, but also affect the water quality. [32]
    • You can feed your fish commercial fish foods, which come in dry flake form. These provide a balanced diet. [33]
    • Give your goldfish variety with foods such as peas, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex worms. [34]
    • You can give your fish algae from the tank as a snack by allowing it to grow on one corner so the goldfish can nibble on it. [35]
    • Don’t overfeed your goldfish. They only need feeding once per day and any excess food will fall to the bottom of the tank and can spoil the water. [36]
  5. If only one or some of your goldfish are sick or on the brink of death, separate infected goldfish from the healthy ones. This can help prevent healthy fish from developing diseases or dying. [37]
    • It’s a good idea to have a so-called “hospital tank” for sick fish. [38]
    • Only return fish to a tank once they’re healthy. [39]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why are my new goldfish dying?
    Doug Ludemann
    Professional Aquarist
    Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.
    Doug Ludemann
    Professional Aquarist
    Expert Answer
    You have to provide them with the environmental parameters that are within their natural expectations and limits. So obviously, you need to provide them an aquatic environment, and then oxygen and temperature are going to be the critical factors. You also have to feed them a diet meant specifically for goldfish. If you're giving them random fish food that is meant for another species, it could be harmful for them. Also, make sure you keep the water clean! That's really essential when it comes to keeping your goldfish safe and comfortable.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How do I quarantine a sick goldfish?
    Doug Ludemann
    Professional Aquarist
    Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.
    Doug Ludemann
    Professional Aquarist
    Expert Answer
    Put it in a hospital tank, keep the hospital tank clean, and wait for a period of time. Anything that you see, I would action. So if you see it itch, treat it. If you see bacteria, treat it. If you see something going on with their scales, you can follow online for disease. Do your best to make the fish better, and don't add it back to the main tank until it has been healthy for a period of 30 days straight.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
  • Question
    My fish tank water is turning green. How can I avoid this?
    Community Answer
    Try to clean the fish tank regularly (1-2 times a week). Goldfish produce a lot of ammonia. When cleaning, take the fish out of the tank first, replace 25%-50% of the water each time, clean the rocks and any other accessories, then place the fish back in the tank.
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      Tips

      • Be prepared that you might not be able to help your goldfish.
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      • If you are not sure what to do, immediately contact the vet and explain to them your problem.
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      • Sometimes goldfish do not get enough oxygen. You can help them by giving them a filter and distilled water. NEVER USE SINK WATER!
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      Warnings

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      2. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      3. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      4. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      5. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      6. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      7. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      8. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      9. ↑ http://www.algone.com/oxygen-in-the-aquarium
      1. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      2. ↑ Doug Ludemann. Professional Aquarist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
      3. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      4. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      5. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      6. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      7. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      8. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421
      9. ↑ http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php
      10. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      11. ↑ http://fish.mongabay.com/disease.htm
      12. ↑ Doug Ludemann. Professional Aquarist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
      13. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      14. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      15. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      16. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      17. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      18. ↑ Doug Ludemann. Professional Aquarist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
      19. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      20. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      21. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      22. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      23. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      24. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      25. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      26. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      27. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/fish-care
      28. ↑ http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/SickFish.htm
      29. ↑ http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/SickFish.htm
      30. ↑ http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/SickFish.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To save a dying goldfish, start by cleaning its tank, including the gravel, and changing out 15 percent of the water, which may be enough to save your fish. You can also test the water in the tank using a fish tank water testing kit from a local pet store to see if there are any problems with it, like high ammonia. If improving the water quality and cleaning the tank doesn't help within a couple days, your fish may have an illness that needs to be treated with home remedies or a visit to the vet. To learn how to treat common goldfish illnesses at home, scroll down!

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