what is wrong with my goldfish?

Question
HELLO!
I HAVE A NEIGHBOR WHO RAISES
GOLDFISH.ONE DAY SHE FOUND A GOLDFISH THAT WAS
VERY FAT ESPECIALLY AT THE SIDES AND IT WAS NOT SWIMMING
IT WAS JUST LYING AT ITS BELLY AT THE BOTTOM AT THE AQUARIUM.
SHE TOOK IT OUTSIDE,AND IT STILL LIES THERE STILL VERY FAT AT THE SIDES TOO AND IT WAS NOT SWIMMING
WHAT IS WRONG? WHAT SHALL I DO?

Answer
Hi Ellen,
 That is very hard to diagnose.  It could be that the goldfish has some sort of internal infection that is causing it to be bloated like that.  Or it could be that the fish has just
eaten alot.  People often overfeed their fish.  Assuming that overfeeding isn't the case, and
that it is an internal infection, there are many possible options.  One remedy that is worth
trying is to feed the fish thawed frozen peas.  If it will eat them, these have the effect of
cleaning out the digestive tract and that can sometimes be very helpful.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>