Why is my goldfish fat?

Overfeeding - Sometimes a fish may become fat or swollen as a result of his diet. Often, overfeeding or the wrong types of food can cause constipation and other digestive issues. You can try to feed your fish less or healthier types of food, which varies depending on the species of fish.

Is my goldfish pregnant or just fat?

Though goldfish are never actually pregnant, they do carry eggs in preparation for fertilization. There are a few ways to detect if a goldfish is ready to release eggs: She has a bulge to one side of her abdomen: A goldfish carrying eggs will not be merely fat, but rather will have a chunky look to her.

Why has my goldfish got a big belly?

Dropsy is the root cause behind your goldfish's big stomach. However, other factors like constipation or your fish carrying eggs also explain a big belly in goldfish. Consider providing good water conditions and high-quality food to prevent constipation and dropsy in your goldfish.

What does a overfed goldfish look like?

How to Spot Overfeeding. Watch for signs that you're overfeeding your goldfish. If your goldfish cannot eat all of its food in three to five minutes, you've given it too much. You'll also see excessive food accumulating in the substrate, where food will break down into a brownish-gray or blackish substance called mulm.

Do fish get fat if you overfeed them?

Overfeeding - Sometimes a fish may become fat or swollen as a result of his diet. Often, overfeeding or the wrong types of food can cause constipation and other digestive issues. You can try to feed your fish less or healthier types of food, which varies depending on the species of fish.

Saving Fish From Pet Store Dumpster!

How do you know if your goldfish is unhealthy?

Weakness or listlessness. Loss of balance or buoyancy control, floating upside down, or 'sitting' on the tank floor (most fish are normally only slightly negatively-buoyant and it takes little effort to maintain position in the water column) Erratic/spiral swimming or shimmying.

Why is my fish suddenly bloated?

This could be caused by a number of things, such as a swim bladder problem, constipation or an internal infection. ✔ Make sure that the water quality is pristine (test for ammonia and nitrite using King British 6 in 1 Water Test Strips), and the dissolved oxygen is high (by ensuring good aeration).

What can I feed my fish with bloat?

Stop feeding the fish for 3-7 days and then feed it high-quality fish food with lots of roughage, such as frozen daphnia, frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and peas. Full of eggs: If your fish is female and otherwise seemingly healthy, she may just be full of eggs or babies and will soon release them when ready.

Is fish bloat contagious?

First, dropsy is not contagious. However, if one fish does become affected, other fish in the same fish aquarium — particularly those of the same species — could also be at risk.

How do goldfish look when pregnant?

When your female goldfish is about to lay eggs, the size of their belly may grow even larger, and stick out a bit. Just like the spawning tubercles, in some fish this can be quite noticeable, yet in others, you may not see it at all.

Do fish look bloated when pregnant?

Swollen Belly

A fish with dropsy experiences rapid abdominal swelling, distinguishing the condition from weight gain or pregnancy. All of the internal organs will eventually become swollen and stop functioning.

How do you fix a bloated fish?

Supplement the use of antibiotics with the addition of Epsom salt at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 to 10 gallons and by raising the temperature to 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Malawi bloat is usually treated with metronidazole. If the fish is still feeding, metronidazole-dosed foods can be used.

Why does my fish have a belly?

The cause of dropsy or bloating in aquarium fish is stress.

Although dropsy or bloating are not diseases, it is a common symptoms of a more serious condition. Your fish will experience bloating and a swollen belly, which indicates internal organ damage and the filling of their stomachs with fluids.

What does a stressed goldfish look like?

If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress. Talk to your veterinarian about treatment and look into what may be causing the stress and alleviating it.

What does a healthy goldfish look like?

Purchasing a healthy goldfish

Healthy fish display clear and bright body colouration and they hold their fins erect. Healthy fish are also alert and swim without undue effort.

What does ammonia poisoning look like in goldfish?

The fish's gills will take on a red or lilac color, making them look like it's bleeding. As the problem progresses, the fish's tissues will begin to deteriorate, evidenced by red streaks or bloody patches on their body and fins caused by ammonia burns.

How often should I feed my goldfish?

Feed 2-3 times daily. It is important to avoid overfeeding goldfish as this can cause indigestion and/or contaminate the tank. In terms of the amount to feed, a good rule of thumb is to only feed an amount that the goldfish can consume in under two minutes or only feed as much as the size of the goldfish's eye.

Why is my goldfish constantly looking for food?

He's probably bored or hungry, but don't give him extra food! Goldfish always appear to be hungry because they are like water piggies and want your attention! However, giving in and feeding them extra can be dangerous. Overfeeding can cause them bloating or constipation, which can make them have trouble swimming.

What does dropsy look like in fish?

Swelling of the abdomen. Eyes that are beginning to swell and bulge. Scales that starting to point outward instead of lying flush with their body giving a "pinecone" appearance. A loss of color in their gills.

Do goldfish swell when pregnant?

If goldfish are pregnant, they may show the following features. The swollen belly is the most obvious symptom. The eggs inside the female goldfish's body make the belly swollen. On the contrary, some female goldfish's bellies may not be swollen although they carry eggs.