goldfish breeding???????i dunno!

Question
hi! i have 2 gold fish (bout 4cm in length) in a small tank (bout 3 litres) i replace the water(25-50%)every 2 weeks and change/clean the tank  every month. lately one's been staying at the bottom. i also noticed that its belly is a bit rounder, and the other one seems to spend more time around it. is it pregnant!!!! coz some ppl say it is and sum say its about to 'leave'! i dunno!!!! plz help!!!

Answer
Hi S,O,S;

Goldfish really don't get 'pregnant' but grow eggs inside them. The female needs a very large area (30 gallons or larger) and several males to help her lay the eggs. She needs a group of plants to swim into as the males chase her.

I really don't think that's what's going on with your fish though. I think it's a problem related to the small tank size. Goldfish really can't live in such a small area and be expected to be healthy and and stay alive for very long. They need 40 liters or more just for one goldfish to thrive. They are very messy fish that get very large (12 centimeters or more). When confined to a small space they develop health problems and often die very young without growing very large. Digestive issues are very common because the lack of space prevents them from being able to swim very far, getting the exercise they need. It also concentrates their wastes too much causing chronic illness. All in all... they just need a bigger tank. In the meantime, make a 25% water change at least 3 times a week. Your fish will LOVE it and will help them stay a little more healthy and alive until they get their new tank.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins