goldfish needs help, please

Question
I found this website on the internet, and I am hoping you may be able to shed some light onto my fish's newest problem. He is a normal goldfish that I have had for about 2.5 years. He has a 5 gallon tank and is the only fish in it. My poor fish has survived college life for these last few years and seems to be fine other than his mouth. recently, he his mouth appears to be enlarged and doesnt shut all the way. he doesnt appear to be in pain and he is still pretty much acting normal, but he does seem to have a little more difficulty eating his fish flakes. He had a little finrot a few months ago, but that cleared up nicely and he hasnt had any issues since. do you have any idea as to what is wrong with my fish and how i can help him? I really appreciate it.

Answer
Hey Carla,

Its a simple bacterial infection. If left untreated, it'll develop white cotton like tuffs and big red sores, and before too long, he wont be able to send water through his lips to his gills, and will suffocate.

Best treatment in a small bowl is jungle's anti fungal and bacterial fizzy tabs. Cut them in half to compensate for tank space (they're made one tab per ten gallons) and will turn your tank a pretty nasty green. If he eats some of it, even better, but dont force it. After a few days of icky green water, he should start to improve. A second half-tab dose might be needed after 4 days if he doesnt show much improvement. The tabs are cheap at walmart... a box of 8 is like 3$ USD and tax if you have sales tax in your area.

Pretty easy, simple fix. You're lucky! Most goldfish in small tanks tend to get incurable illnesses. Be careful with this one, he's a trooper!