Pregnent goldfish

Question
Hey Chris,

my boyfriend and I are have been fish owners for about two years now, recently we have notice that one of our goldfish in particular is getting rather "fat" around the mid section. What are the chances that the goldfish is pregnant, especially indentifying weather or not she is. And if she is what steps do we take?

Answer
Hi Kayleigh;

It's possible she has eggs in her. She needs a male in with her in order to spawn and lots of plants to lay the eggs in. Most breeders suggest at least a 30 gallon tank. The fish have to do "spawning runs" and swim toward the plants to expel her eggs in them, then the male (or several males) follows to fertilize. Here is more info;

http://mike-edwardes.members.beeb.net/Cauratus.html#7

Good luck!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins