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Is your Goldfish Constipated?
Lee Dobbins
I recently read a story online about a goldfish that died at the ripe
old age of 43. I marveled at the story because my goldfish only seem to
last a couple of months. What caused this fish to live so long? No
doubt he received great care and was raised in optimum water
conditions.
Goldfish are actually hardy fish but they are many diseases that they
can die from including constipation. If you want your goldfish to live
a long and healthy life you need to make sure that you treat the
aquarium properly. Goldfish can be a bit messy and you need to make
sure that you clean their water diligently vacuuming up all feces and
uneaten food on the bottom and doing partial water changes often. Also
it is important not to overcrowd the tank as this can cause the water
quality to go down hill fast.
Here's some aquarium diseases that your goldfish might be prone to:
Constipation
while, this is not a disease per say it does have to do with what you
are feeding the fish. if you notice that your goldfish is trailing
feces behind him, then he is probably constipated. This means that you
are not feeding him the right kinds of foods, perhaps his diet is too
fatty or just not varied enough. Just like in humans, you can remedy
this by giving him more roughage. Try feeding him spinach, peas or even
tubifex worms. You should also soak dried fish foods before letting
your goldfish feed on them and this will help with his digestion.
Swim Bladder Disorder
swim bladder disorder happens more in the fancy goldfish and is a
problem with him swimming where he will seem to be floating up near the
top of the tank or down at the bottom. This happens more often and
tanks that have bad water quality so keep your tank In good condition.
Dropsy
Dropsy is a bacterial infection that attacks the fish from the inside.
The symptoms are that your goldfishes scales will look like they are
sticking out from his body. This is a very serious aquarium disease and
by the time you notice your fish have it, it's probably already too
advanced treat.
Ich
Ich is a common aquarium disease which is actually a parasite that
attaches itself to your fish. It is often called white spot because It
looks like little white dots, like tiny grains of salt on the fish. If
you leave this unchecked it can get quite bad as the spores multiply
excessively.
Fin Rot
Fin Rot is another bacterial infection which attacks the fins of your
goldfish. this will cause his fans to look ragged and you will notice
over time that it progresses up the fin until nothing is left. This can
be treated successfully if caught early on..
Most all goldfish disease can be avoided by
keeping your tank clean.
Remember to do periodic water changes and don't crowd to many fish in
the tank. Watch your fish for signs of constipation and other disease
and you too might have a goldfish that lives to the ripe old age of 43!
Lee Dobbins writes for
http://www.fish-tank-guide.comwhere you can
learn more about setting up and maintaining a fish tank as well as how
to care for your goldfish.
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