Sick Goldfish UK

Question
We have a goldfish approximately 12 years old. For the last few weeks it has just been leaning to one side in the corner of the tank.  It moves occasionally but usually just to move to another corner. It is not feeding. It was like this last year and looked bloated so we gave it some blood worm, which worked. This time no effect.

It appears to struggle breathing this time.  We have expected to find it dead every day but surprisingly it keeps going. We are worried that it may be suffering.

What do you think may be wrong and what can we do (if anything).


Answer
Hello Sue,
There is a possibility that he either has swim bladder problems, which goldfish are very prone to, or his water quality is poor and he is stressed out.
In either case, don't feed him for 48 hours. Then give him small amounts of crushed, shelled peas. These will help aid in digestion.
Remember never to overfeed your goldfish, as this is usually the biggest  culprit (besides bowls) of goldfish deaths. Remember two very small pinches a day is more than enough, and always crush the flakes (if he is eating flakes) as small as possible, and then hold them under the water so they don't float at the top. Goldfish are actually bottom feeders and should not be eating food floating at the top of the water.
Lastly, check his water quality and make sure all is well. Ammonia, nitrates and nitrites should all read out at 0. If not, you need to start doing more frequent water changes.