Fat Fish

Question
I cannot figure out if one of my two goldfish is overweight or pregnant.  To add to this problem, The second goldfish looks like it is dying.  It Just lays there.  When i feed them, I make sure the food falls to him.  He eats.  Very confused about what is gong on with these guys.  Can You Help!

Answer
Hi Raeann;

Goldfish really don't get "pregnant", they are egglayers so they grow eggs inside them. What are the symptoms? Do the scales stick out? Does the fish act normally otherwise?


The fish that sits on the bottom may be experiencing swim bladder failure. Here is a good web page about it;

http://www.fishtanksandponds.info/care-maintenance/health/swimbladder.htm

If you could give me more info about the tank (size, water temperature, filter type, how long it has been set up, etc.) I might be able to help you pin down the cause and help you make your fish feel better. Also, if I know the size of the fish it is helpful too.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins