bubble-eyed goldfish illness

Question
Hey, i have a bubble eyed goldfish that has been somewhat lathargic and can't seem to stay balanced, he also apears to be struggling for air. i got him yesterday from a true value store. i let him float in his bag in the fish bowl with my other two goldfish. after four hours i let him out and he was doing great. he had loads of energy and a big apetite. now he's gasping for air and keeps falling over. i also noticed both today and yesterday that he floats. i moved him to a different container because i was worried the other two might get aggressive. he seems to be more active now but it might be out of the fear of being moved. please get back to me asap, i dont know how much time i have. thanks

Answer
Hello Brett,

I get this question everyday, at least 2 times.

What you are describing is Nitrite poisoning and ammonia poisoning.  What causes these?  Poop, no filter, too small a place to live.

Goldfish have to live in large containers.

http://www.fishchannel.com/fishkidz/beginner-fish/bowled-over.aspx

http://www.petgoldfish.net/fishbowl-aquarium.html

10 gallons per fish, until they are 3" and then at least 25 per fish from there forward.  

The fish is breathing his own feces and he's going to die.  The next in the scenario is he will stop swimming.  He will fall to the bottom, or float, and there he will sit, and he will die.  If you keep your others in a bowl, they are next, down the line.  One by one.  Dead fish.  

Keeping a goldfish in a bowl is cruelty to animals.

Goldfish require filters.  They require clean water.  They are pond fish.

I hope this is helpful and I feel really sad your fish is going to die, but until you get a fish tank for it, you will lose them all.  

Someday, animal cruelty laws will stop stores from selling bowls and the owners will pay hefty fines for the fish who suffer from this awful misjustice.

Please, Brett, do the right thing.  Get them an aquarium asap.