Lifesabeach

Hi Everyone!

Once my 500L tank is cycled, most of my 60L inhabitants will ultimately be transferred there. My 11 year old goldfish will not go with them. I have an outdoor pond full of comets, shubunkins, danios, white cloud minnows and what was sold to me as native rainbows (but now not so sure).
My dilemma is this: the goldfish was raised amongst tropicals. The pond can get as low as 5C during winter - 30C in summer. The goldfish has always had a couple of white blister growths - one above its mouth and one behind its dorsal fin (they don't appear to bother it or other fish at all). I want to use the 60L as a quarantine tank.
I'm concerned that it may not handle the pond even with acclimating. My wife worries that 1)been too long in a tropical setup 2)could spread disease if those 'blisters' erupt in the pond.
Are we being over cautious - I try to explain that they are a very hardy fish species (they are a carp after all).

Lifesabeach

In case you are wondering, the goldfish is one of three fish I took over from a relative relocating to another state.

aquarist48

Hello. I think if the gold fish were acclimated to the pond and if he's in good health and no sign of disease he would be better off in a more natural environment. I agree they are a very hardy species. Can you post a pic of the goldfish and maybe someone on the site can diagnosis it for you. You may want to go ahead and set up the quarantine tank for it. Good luck. (any pics of the pond)?

Lifesabeach

This is our goldfish with the growth behind its fin, and notice the white area above its mouth? I have no idea what they are.
I'll try and get some decent pond shots today. I get a lot of reflection which cuts down on the detail, but will have no trouble having the resident fish pose for the shots!

Attached Images

04292009215.jpg (132.4 KB, 23 views)

aquarist48

Wow...I've never seen anything like that. I hope someone can give you some advice on what to do for his health. Does he have clamped fins? Especially the tail fin? I hate that he has those growths. I'm clueless. Are the other white spots missing scales or a type of fungus? ICH?

Lifesabeach

He's perfectly fine otherwise. No missing scales. Acts and eats well and plays with the Dollars. I have 3 Clown Loaches in there as well and all have been together approx 2 years.

Have to somehow get a closeup detailed shot of it.

Lifesabeach

The other white spots on the side are missing scales. I'm going to set up new thread with pics in fish disease area.