Fishs mouth

Question
I have a goldfish that keeps it's mouth open all the time- It was bleeding a few days ago, but now is no longer.  It constantly sucks on the gravel in the fish aquarium after feeding, could he have a rock lodged in it's body?  If so, is there anything I can do to help it, or do I have to just sit back and watch it die?  It was a big fat goldfish, it's getting thinner and thinner.

Answer
Hi Karen;

It does sound like a rock is stuck in his throat. Here is a page about that and what to do;

http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases/rockitis.php

Here's another one;

http://koivetforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4643&goto=nextoldest

If you don't see anything in there it's possible he has an infection that is causing swelling and it is keeping him from closing his mouth. Try an antibiotic called Maracyn 2. It treats bacterial infection that cause reddishness and what looks like bleeeding.

I hope he recovers soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins