I have a five year old common goldfish who has stopped eating and is sitting at the bottom of the tank most of the time. He is about 4-5 inches in size, and has not exhibited this behavior before. When I first noticed it, I removed him from the tank to do a thorough cleaning of the algae that had built up recently and clean the filter. I am assuming that the water quality had become poor. In observing him in a fish bowl with fresh de-chlorinated water, he perked up a little, but still has not eaten now for two days. He appears to also have a small red sore on his right side. I then did 3 partial water changes in a 24 hour period and went out and bought a more serious water test kit (see results below). I have put him back in the tank, but he doesn't seem to be improving.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Fish age: c. 5 years

Tank size: 10 gallons

filter: Marineland Bio-wheel

water change: 30-40 % every 10 days

# of fish: 1

medications added: Proper pH 7.5 two days ago

Amquel water conditioner

food: wardley crumbles, green peas

WATER TEST RESULTS:

PH: 7.5

Ammonia: 0

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate: 5-10ppm

PHOTO:

Hi jimmy, from the photo your fish looks rather thin, he appears to be losing condition, could it be due to old age? Although 5 years isn't really that old, your fish looks to be stunted size and so it's possible his lifespan has been reduced.

I really don't know what to suggest other than daily water changes and perhaps salting the water to aid healing of the red mark. You could dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per 5 gallons,remember to replace the salt when changing the water. Alternatively, you could try an antibacterial medical treatment for the water. I hope you fish gets better soon.

Thanks for the info.
He seems worse today, but I am trying Maracyn and Maracyn 2 treatment anyhow as a last resort for possible dropsy. He was always a very lively fish up until a couple days ago, albeit small. Old age is possible, but seems sudden.
Thanks again.
Jimmy

It is so difficult to diagnose when there are few visible symptoms but it's possible that an internal infection in happening, so the Marcyns may help with that. Good luck and let us know how he goes.

How is your fish today, Jimmy? Any improvements after the treatment?