ryukin

Question
QUESTION: I have a ryukin goldfish that has been swimming sideways for 3 weeks. I've had her for 4 years. She doesn't seem to be able to move her back fins & has a large limp on her lower left side. She can swim the whole tank & is very active, but the side with the lump appears to pull her to the top of the tank. She is in a 10 gal tank by herself. The water temp is 75. We treating her for fungus & parasites.I've tried peas & had her water tested in a pet store. Would a broad spectrum antibiotic help?

ANSWER: Hi Sally,

The broad spectrum antibiotic won't help.  She shouldn't be in a 10 gallon tank.  Full grown goldfish require 25 gallons each just to filter out their poo.  They are one of THE heaviest poopers known to the fish world and belong in ponds in my opinion, not tanks...but, everyone has one, lol.  I don't, but my daughter does.

She's got the Shebunkin.

Filtration is very often, another issue with these fish, as they require major filtration to survive.  I realize you have had her four years.  Congratulations!  She's made it this far, and I don't want to take away from the love you've shown her by bringing up anything negative, but it could indeed have a lot to do with her future survival.

So, I think it's best to let goldfish owners know that these fish require triple filtration and many water changes in captivity, when not in a pond.

Her tank is a 10, and she requires a 30 filter for it, at least.  If you can go higher, more power to you.  Go ahead.  It will clean water far better.  When rating a filter properly, if it says it's for 20 gallons, it's only for 10.  Well known fact.  If the filter says it's a 20/40, then it only does 20.  If it's for a goldfish, on a 10 gallon tank, at the very least, I recommend the 30/50.

I do not think she has fungus or parasites.  I think her swim bladder issues are because of her water conditions.

If you have proper filtration and do bi-weekly water changes of 25% like clockwork, then it's still possible it's the water.  She's simply pooping in a place where there isn't enough room for her to not breathe it in.

90% of swim bladder disorders come from water conditions.

10% from impaction.  So, the peas are useless as is any anti-fungal or anti-parasitic.  

My advice?

Change her water, scrub her gravel and change her filter thoroughly.  She will hopefully regain some strength once that happens.

It is also possible at 4, she's had a fish stroke.  They often do recover from this.

I hope this helps.  Please feel free to write back if you have to, Sally.

Happy fish-keeping,

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just wondering about the lump on her side. Could it be her swimbladder has moved? or a tumor? Is there anything I can do to help her recover if it was a stroke? I've changed her water religiously since this happened & her filter is for a 30 gal. tank, but she's not improving. How long should I let this go on? Is there a humane way to let her go? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi,

I wouldn't put her down, not unless this begins to make her suffer.

It isn't moved, no.  It's probably a growth as well as swim bladder disorder.  It could be a tumor, a parasite, we don't know without a photo.

Can you send an image?  I can get a really good look and tell you about it.
Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Miss Piggy   QUESTION: Here is a picture of the lump on her side. Hope you can see it clear enough.

Answer
I think she's got a hernia or a tumor.  Either way, neither is good...neither is going to improve with time.  

Watch her and if she goes downhill, then follow the directions here to euthenize her, but if she improves, don't.  Please, I advise trying to save her before putting her to sleep.

http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/articles/81

I'm so sorry.  It might just go away, and if a hernia, it could heal.  But, I doubt it...in the area it's in, it is by her vent.  That can't be productive to her survival.

Renee