Goldfish pectoral fin nipped and red... help

16 years ago

I had two small goldfish in our indoor pond. I found one dead about a week ago, with what looked like a gash in his side. Other than the gash, I saw no other signs of illness or disease. For the past 2 days I've noticed the remaining goldfish didn't seem to be moving the fin on her left side. Today I finally netted her and put her into a container so I could take a look. Most of her left pectoral (I hope I'm using the correct word there) fin is gone and what's remaining appears to be very red and a little swollen. What should I do? She's eating normally and is still swimming around, but does spend a lot of time just sitting. I assumed it was because she was alone since the other fish died.

Any ideas on what happened and what I can do are greatly appreciated.

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Comments (15)

pikecoe
16 years ago
You said you had 2 small goldfish in your indoor pond. What else do you have in there? Something had to make a gash.. Do you have a cat that could have gotten to it? I really don't have an idea. Glenda
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
No, Glenda. There's nothing else in the pond with them. Just waterfall and a filter. No cats and my dog is never left alone in that room.

You can see a couple of pictures in the link I'll supply.

Withing in the past two hours or so, Ethel (the remaining fish) is nowhere to be found in the pond. I've gotten the flashlight out and have shown it into the "hiding" places and have not had any success in finding her. Now I'm really worried!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Look at 2nd and 3rd picture in post.
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The problem in trying to keep carp in the same tank with tropicals is more often the water temps than chemistry, so while the 75-80 may be okay for the little livebearers, it's too warm for Goldies, even Fancies. I'd say 72 - 76 max. If you are sure the fin issues are not from the formosa nipping at them, then logic dictates the only other explanation being that you bought fish that were already suffering from some type of bacterial infection that attacked their fins, so just in case; add Pimafix to the water along with the Melafix. They are perfectly safe used together. I've used both in extreme cases in conjunction with some pretty sophisticated antibiotics and affected cures in what otherwise seemed to be hopeless cases. I'l admit to more failures than successes, but just enough successes to keep me optomistic. In general, Goldies are pretty tough and you can often get them back in shape with just super clean water and light feeding, but once fin rot sets in, it's best to treat it with something designed for the purpose. However, like any other meds, unless dealing with a specific disease that has been correctly diagnosed and the fish aren't yet on their last gasp, the best rule of thumb is to start with something safe and mild, and see how it goes for a few days. If that doesn't work, then move up to something stronger, but as with all meds; the stronger they are, the more easy it is to inadvertantly kill as cure with them. So if your Goldies are suffering from a still treatable stage bacterial affliction, and most common illness in aquarium fishes are bacterial as opposed to viral; with the treatment I described, they will hopefully show improvement within a few days. If not, then go to a broad spectrim antibiotic, such as Amoxicillin. Hopefully, it won't be necessary. BTW: When doing daily water changes in a hospital tank, the last thing you need to worry about is cycling. Good luck.
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LOL...the coral does look real, doesn't it? Actually...it's the backdrop/paper...Ã¢ÂÂº Although.....the damage could have come from the one artificial plant I have in there...(they're so ugly and have rough edges!) The smaller one actually chases and nudges the bigger one around the tank. I have well water with a water softener that uses salt as the filter medium...wouldn't that be enough salt or need I add it. About them out-growing their tank...Gussie, who's about 7" long makes me believe you're right. He's/She's grown so big so fast! Fussy's still small...about 5 inches in length. Thanks for the advice...will do a water change twice a week from now on, I reckon.
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pikecoe
16 years ago
I really don't have a clue. But if you figure it out or find Ethel, please let us know. Glenda
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
We ran a couple of errands and came home and Ethel was back out from hiding. She's swimming around again. So, that makes me feel better. Tomorrow I'll bring a digital camera home from work and take a few pictures of her fin if I can. Maybe that will give someone some idea of what's going on.

Oh! One other thing. Earlier when I was looking for her, I found a dead cricket in the pond. A cricket wouldn't attack a fish, would it? Remember, these were small goldfish... Ethel is probably only about 2inches long right now.

Thanks again for your help.
sleeplessinftwayne
16 years ago
I can't say what caused the original injuries but it is almost a certainty Ethyl has a bacterial infection now. You need to treat it very soon. Sandy
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
How do I treat it?
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
Does anyone know how I can treat her? Please help. Thanks.
pikecoe
16 years ago
You could put some peroxide on it. But you have to be very careful not to get any in it's mouth, eyes or gills. And salt the pond 1 tsp per gallon every 12 hours for 3 times. I have treated mine with tetracycline that I purchased at the pet store. Glenda
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
How do I tell exactly how many gallons it is? It just came with the house (that we just bought it August) so I've never like drained it or anything. So, how would I know how much salt to use?
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok, one more question. Someone said that I should treat the water with "Maracyn" in case she has fin rot. Does that sound right? Would the Maracyn hurt her, if it's not fin rot?
pikecoe
16 years ago
If you can get dimensions and measure depth, you can figure the gallons. It is width x height x length x 7.5 = gallons. If it isn't shaped square enough for these measurements, then I don't know. I don't believe the Macryn would hurt her if it isn't fin rot. It is good for other kind of bacteria as well. Glenda
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok. I got some Maracyn Two and have started treating the water with it. Ethel seems to be doing better, even before I started treating the water. Keep your fingers crossed for me that she makes it through. I've only had her for about 2 months and I'm already really attached to her.
tisha_
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, Ethel is still kicking! She seems to be doing so much better. Today is the last dose of Maracyn. Keep your fingers crossed for her.
sleeplessinftwayne
16 years ago
Hey there. I am glad that Ethyl is doing better. It is very distressing when once of the wet kids gets sick and we don't know what to do about it. My fishies have had both bacterial infections and parasites and it took me much too long to figure out what was wrong. Sandy
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For ongoing help with goldfish, Koi, aquariums and ponds, with our very own disease diagnosing & 911 treatment expert, visit our informative website for goldfish owners.

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Goldfish pectoral fin nipped and red... help

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Goldfish pectoral fin nipped and red... help

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