Fin Rot:

Fin rot is possibly the most common problem in goldfish. Becasue Goldfish that are kept in a tank often live in a high stress environment, they are very susceptible to bacteria that is found naturally in most water sources. Fin rot can be bought on by a small injury or rip of the fins. Fin rot can develop quickly, but is treatable.  

Causes:

• A graze on the fins

• A deep cut on the fins

• A puncture of the skin

• A bite on the fins

• A dirty living environment

• New infected plants 

• New infected fish

• Bacteria from a dead fish

• Excess stress due to a change in environment or temperature

 

Symptoms:

When a Goldfish has Fin rot they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• General discomfort

• Rubbing up against the glass

• Lethargy 

• Unwillingness to eat

• Difficulty swimming 

 

Physical:

• Discolouration of the fins

• Decomposition of the fins

 

Prevention:

• Keep your fish tank very clean and calm as to reduce stress in your Goldfish's life.

• When purchasing a new goldfish make sure to keep him/her in a quarantine tank for at least 48 hours before introducing it to the other fish.

• When purchasing new plants for the take, make sure to wash them thoroughly before putting them in the tank.

• Feed your fish a healthy balanced diet.

• Aviod tapping on the glass, in turn scaring your fish.

• Make sure the temperature of the tank stays the same at all times, even when cleaning out.

• Never buy a fish from a tank where there are dead or diseased fish. 

• If your fish has an injury, check where it could have come from and try to prevent any further injury.