Goldfish - scale-less gills!

Question
Hi,

I have a gold fish who is quite old now (bout 7 years). Over the last week or so, i have noticed he has started to slow a little and most notably, all the scales on both of his scales have disappeared! He is still eating but i have noticed he is gulping in his breathing a little and the other fish are starting to bully him (a sign of not being well i think).

Is this just an age thing or does he have something wrong that i can treat? should i take him out of the tank into a bowl of his own??

Hope you can help as really want him to get better!

Thanks

Erica

Answer
Hi Erica:  The oldest goldfish on record was 43 years old...and was won at a carnival....Fish do not normally lose scales unless they are ill... or have been wounded.  It is quite possible that he is being bullied by the other fish and the loss of scales is due to being bitten.  If possible I would separate him from the other fish and add some Malafix to his water.  Add some aquarium salt to his tank also...  keep me posted... dave