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Any goldfish experts out there?

Not sure where to put this for the best response.

When I got up this morning, my sons goldfish was lying on his side at the bottom of the tank. I ignored it as I didn't want them going to school crying and upset.

I've just been to take the fish out the tank, and noticed he is still alive. His mouth is opening and closing and his gills are moving, but he is still just lying on his side looking very sorry for himself.

Does anyone know what's wrong? Can I do something to make him better, or is it kinder to lift him out and let him go to the great fish tank in the sky?
Here I go again on my own....

Comments

  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,650 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'm moving this over to the Anything Else board, as you may get more replies there.

    Pink
  • Nile
    Nile Posts: 14,845 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I promise it wasn't me trying to swallow it.


    Why not ring your local branch of the RSPCA for advice?
    10 Dec 2007 - Led Zeppelin - I was there. :j [/COLOR]:cool2: I wear my 50 (gold/red/white) blood donations pin badge with pride. [/SIZE][/COLOR]Give blood, save a life. [/B]
  • elona
    elona Posts: 11,806 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I remember someone once suggested putting a drop of brandy in the water - might be worth a try.

    I have been known to swear blind that goldfish like to swim on their backs and float and then replace them before kids got back ):):):
    "This site is addictive!"
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  • Hi,

    Lots of possibilities, but the chances are the fishy has had it unfortunately if it reaches that stage.

    However, have a look and see if it has red gills or a white sheen on the scales. if so it has a fungal infection which you can get remedies for. Another likely possibility if you havn't cleaned the tank in a while is ammonia build up, in which case change two-thirds of the water, without disturbing fishy as much as possible. A full water change can put them into shock if they are ill. Revitaid or similar (yellow bottle - a fish conditioner) helps them rebuild their slime coat and is good for improving immunity. My fish have it in the tank all the time in low concentration and seem very happy indeed. The fungal remedies are alcohol based, but a different alcohol to ethanol (in the brandy) which will likely damage his slime coat. I personally wouldn't try that.

    if the fishy snuffs it, it is really important to disinfect the tank completely before getting new ones. use baby sterilising tablets overnight, then discard this water and refill. Leave overnight again and discard then fill as normal ready to settle and oxygenate before getting new fishies.

    I love my fish and get very upset if one does go, but life expectancy, particularly on the goldfish fancies is not that long.

    If anybody knows anything about boilers and wants to swap information please see the thread in my name!

    Jules
  • Becles
    Becles Posts: 13,184 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Just arrived home and he's passed away :(

    Thanks for the info though. Will have tears tonight I guess when they come home from school.

    Sorry I can't help with the boiler question!
    Here I go again on my own....
  • Poor old goldfish - at least it takes any difficult decision away from you though.

    Hope your kids are not too upset.

    My brother used to have some fish (can't remember what type -Orfs?). Anyway, over a long period of time, one started swimming on its side, then couldn't manage to get off the bottom, etc etc. He got advice, and it transpired that it's swim-bladder had 'gone'. He tried putting stuff in the water, and even (on expert advice) put him in a tank in the airing cupboard (apparently the warmer water can correct the problem). In the end he (the fish) died anyway, but not a very nice way to go.
    "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin
  • Queenie
    Queenie Posts: 8,793 Forumite
    Whatever you do ...

    .. don't treat them to Fish n Chips tonight!!!

    I'm serious!!! A friend of mine did *just* that - the poor kids were in an even worse state. She never meant any harm, she was just .... thick!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    PMS Pot: £57.53 Pigsback Pot: £23.00
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  • Jay-Jay_4
    Jay-Jay_4 Posts: 7,351 Forumite
    Queenie wrote:
    Whatever you do ...

    .. don't treat them to Fish n Chips tonight!!!

    I'm serious!!! A friend of mine did *just* that - the poor kids were in an even worse state. She never meant any harm, she was just .... thick!


    :eek:

    Becles, sorry about your fishy :( can you replace it without your little 'un knowing?
    Just run, run and keep on running!

  • Becles
    Becles Posts: 13,184 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    No I didn't replace it.

    Fishy has now been laid to rest under a pretty evergreen bush in the back garden.

    I've cleaned the tank and set it up again, and said we can get another one when the water settles.
    Here I go again on my own....
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