goldfish illness - please help!

Question
Hi,

I have two regular goldfish and one black moor goldfish living together in one tank. Last week, the black moor started showing symptoms of swim bladder disease, and I've been treating him by feeding them frozen blood worms, peas, and orange slices after consulting with the pet store. He seems to be doing somewhat better - no longer flipping, though still doing "headstands" and floating. But my problem is this - today the two small goldfish both seem to have developed a film around their mouths - one of them can't open it's mouth to eat, even though it's trying. This is the first I've noticed this problem, they ate just fine yesterday. Any idea what the problem could be? Please help!!

Thank you.

Kate

Answer
Hi Kate,

You had the right idea by feeding him those foods but you are supposed to fast him for 3 days first, in order for the treatment to work (you should realy only feed him boiled skinned peas and probably not oranges and blood worms).   The film around your other fishes mouths sounds very strange.  It could be early signs of cotton wool disease.  I suggest you first consult your local pet shop about how you should feed your fish with the film over their mouths.  You should then watch out for more of this film over their bodies.  If you see it spread, give me a follow up question and I will send you the treatment method.

I hope I helped,
James