Disabled goldfish

[Georgie]

I have a goldfish with a hump on his back and who swims vertically. Seems fine but erratic swimming and has difficulty scooping up the food as the other fish get there first. Just wondered how I should look after him and should I bring him inside when it gets colder. He spends a good amount of time at the bottom of the pond.

 

[TheFishGuy]

Welcome to the forum! sorry to hear about your fish, I cant help you there but I am sure others would be happy to help.

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and wicome!

I can’t really tell from the pictures, but it looks like the fish is swollen all over. Do the scales stick out like pine cones?

 

[j.w]

@Georgie
I have had that happen before and I just leave them be to enjoy the rest of their life. Some have lived for years like that but eventually they die. Not sure what it is or why it happens. They eat and swim the best that they can and don't seem to be suffering. Maybe a tumor or some hereditary disease.

 

[Georgie]

Thanks, he seems happy enough but rests a lot. And sometimes sits upright on the side of the pond. He looked a bit weird when I got him but that's what attracted me.

 

[Georgie]

Hi, not sure if I should bring him in. Get a little tank for over the winter. The other 14 are active, eating. He's had a little swim but not hungry. He has that big bulge under his belly which worries me.

 

[JamieB]

No “ little” about their tank requirements. They need 60 ish gallons, great filtration if kept in an aquarium as adults. Otherwise you’re just speeding up their death. If the fish has a tumor, I’d suggest euthanasia via clove oil. It sounds like their quality of life is being negatively impacted. But, just in case, set the fish up in a large bin with pond water, airstone, filtration if possible, and try the cooked shelled peas first just in case. It that resolves the issue, fish is good, keep the treatment in mind if needed for later. If fish doesn’t improve, easily caught to relocate or euthanase.