I have had 4 small goldfish in a 10 gallon tank that have done well for the past 8 months. Recently I noticed the pectoral fins on one fish were a bright red. The redness spread to the anal fins, somewhat on the dorsal fin, after a week on the nose and slightly across the body. A second fish has also just developed red pectoral fins. The redness does not appear streaky or otherwise associated with veins. I have looking into bacterial and fungal treatments but am unsure what these symptoms would suggest. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Red streaks on a fish's fins is normally a sign of ammonia poisoning.

I'd do an immediate 30% water change with dechlorinated temperature matched water.

I'll let the other members tell you about the GOLDEN rules of keeping goldfish.

Rick

hi unrulykuss!

sorry to hear that one of your goldies isnt doing too well.

if you could answer all of the questions (as best you can) from the red box above, we would be much better able to help you get your goldie/s on the mend. also, if you dont have any test kits, you can most likely get a full analysis of it from your local fish store. bring them a glass of your tankwater. also, please insist that they write the numbers down so that you can come back here and post them for us. many shops will just say "oh, its fine" and leave it at that. in my and many other boardmembers experiences, you could very well get some questionable advice from them. so, make sure to come back here before you go making any purchases (other than test kits).

and be prepared, it seems that your going to have to get a bigger tank and better filter if you want them to thrive. more on that later.

post back soon!

paul

i had a fantail that showed all the symptoms you have described. It turned out to be a bacterial infection. Despite all the best will in the world keeping fish is very much a hit and miss affair. I have been keeping fish on and off for over 20 years, and still have fish that die without reason. All i can suggest is that you buy test kits and keep an eye on water quality and a good book on identifying diseases.
This forum is brilliant for finding little bits of information from other people and i wish you success on treating your fish.