Black Spots on Goldfish (pic & video attached)

Hi

I have a goldfish that I have had for many years since it was a almost a baby. Just recently I have noticed 3 black spots on the fish head,side and now fin that has gotten a little bigger. I do not know what caused it nor what it can be. I do not want the fish to die because of it. The tank is 20 gallons. Can anyone help me figure out what the spots are.

 

Hello and welcome to Fishlore!

It appears that your fish is suffering from ammonia burns. Have you tested your ammonia levels?
If this is indeed the case you need to do a water change asap. Change 50% of the water, add dechlorinator and do it daily. It states on your profile that you do not know about the nitrogen cycle. Click on the highlighted words and please read it.

 

Hello and Thanks.

I have not tested the water yet. I did just recently clean the entire tank and put in fresh water 3 days ago. I do put in water conditioner in the tank before I put the fish back into the tank. Something I just recently learned was that the filter cartridge is old inside the filter. I will read about the nitrogen cycle now.

 

I did just recently clean the entire tank and put in fresh water 3 days ago. I do put in water conditioner in the tank before I put the fish back into the tank. .

Yes, I figured as much. By cleaning out the tank, probably replacing the filter media you have removed all the beneficial bacteria that converts the toxic ammonia (that the fish produce) -> less toxic nitrite -> relatively non-toxic nitrate.

Please change the water ASAP if you want to save your fish.

 

Yes, I figured as much. By cleaning out the tank, probably replacing the filter media you have removed all the beneficial bacteria that converts the toxic ammonia (that the fish produce) -> less toxic nitrite -> relatively non-toxic nitrate.

Please change the water ASAP if you want to save your fish.

Would a 20% water change be good and how often do I do a water change

 

Hey there! So like Chunk101 said, changing the water ASAP is important, I would do more than 20% and use Prime to detoxify Ammonia.

I would then add Tetra SafeStart, 24 hours after using Prime or any water conditioner of course.

Your fish is a single-tailed Goldfish from what I can tell....so, your tank is unfortunately overstocked with just ONE goldfish, you need 40 gallons for that variety. As for Fancies, you can have only 1 fancy in that tank. Those single-tailed kind usually works best in Ponds.

 

Hey there! So like Chunk101 said, changing the water ASAP is important, I would do more than 20% and use Prime to detoxify Ammonia.

I would then add Tetra SafeStart, 24 hours after using Prime or any water conditioner of course.

Your fish is a single-tailed Goldfish from what I can tell....so, your tank is unfortunately overstocked with just ONE goldfish, you need 40 gallons for that variety. As for Fancies, you can have only 1 fancy in that tank. Those single-tailed kind usually works best in Ponds.

Hi

I just did about a 25% water change and used some water conditioner. I don't have any Prime nor Tetra SafeStart yet but I will get that tomorrow when I go get some filter cartridges for my filter. Would a water change be done every other day?

 

Hi

I just did about a 25% water change and used some water conditioner. I don't have any Prime nor Tetra SafeStart yet but I will get that tomorrow when I go get some filter cartridges for my filter. Would a water change be done every other day?

If you add SafeStart, it's advised to not change the water for at least 15 days after adding it...

But yes, I would recommend doing water changes every other day considering your tank is overstocked.

 

If you add SafeStart, it's advised to not change the water for at least 15 days after adding it...

But yes, I would recommend doing water changes every other day considering your tank is overstocked.

Thanks for your help. I learned things I never even knew about keeping a fish. I will do a water change every other day. I think it is time to upgrade the tank size as I got that tank when the fish was tiny many years ago.

 

HI Firesmurf and welcome to Fishlore!
If you really want to see your goldie perk up, size up to a 60 gallon tank or more and get 2 more goldies of the same kind as your current one. They prefer having friends.

 

Firesmurf, it's important you change more water now. I'm guessing your ammonia level is very high and 25% change isn't helping much, please do another 50% now. In addition don't feed your fish for couple of days and when you go to the pet store also purchase a liquid water testing kit.

 

HI Firesmurf and welcome to Fishlore!
If you really want to see your goldie perk up, size up to a 60 gallon tank or more and get 2 more goldies of the same kind as your current one. They prefer having friends.

HI and thanks

I was actually thinking he needed friends because in the past when he was smaller I had 2 other fish with him. I will look at a 60 gallon tomorrow.

@, it's important you change more water now. I'm guessing your ammonia level is very high and 25% change isn't helping much, please do another 50% now. In addition don't feed your fish for couple of days and when you go to the pet store also purchase a liquid water testing kit.

I will do another water change now. I will most certainly get a testing kit. Would you say not to feed for 3 days?

 

HI and thanks

I was actually thinking he needed friends because in the past when he was smaller I had 2 other fish with him. I will look at a 60 gallon tomorrow.

Not sure if you are in the States. In case you are and If money is of consideration, wait for the PETCO dollar a gallon sale coming up in April. You will be able to get a 55 gallon tank for $55. buying only the tank is a plus, it allows you to buy the best suitable for you filter, heater, lights, etc. You can research them now. Good luck to you and welcome to FishLore.

 

Not sure if you are in the States. In case you are and If money is of consideration, wait for the PETCO dollar a gallon sale coming up in April. You will be able to get a 55 gallon tank for $55. buying only the tank is a plus, it allows you to buy the best suitable for you filter, heater, lights, etc. You can research them now. Good luck to you and welcome to FishLore.

HI

Yes I'm in the states and I didn't know about the PETCO dollar a gallon sale. Thanks for letting me know about it.

 

Petco has it four times a year. You can get a 10 g, 20 g, 29 g, 40 breeder and 55.
Watch this space. Research filters, lights, heaters, etc. All of these appliances can be purchased with serious discount, alas, the price triples when you really need them. Good luck.

 

Petco has it four times a year. You can get a 10 g, 20 g, 29 g, 40 breeder and 55.
Watch this space. Research filters, lights, heaters, etc. All of these appliances can be purchased with serious discount, alas, the price triples when you really need them. Good luck.

Thank you

 

Just seen you're about to replace the media. This isn't needed, keep your old media unless it is literally falling apart. Any good bacteria you have is on the media you are planning on removing, you want to keep it really.

I recommend daily 80% changes to continue to aid his healing.

Black marks are a good sign as they're the healing from the ammonia burns so you're on the right track.

As you're headed to the fish store, skip the filter media and bag yourself a liquid test kit. You won't regret it!xx

 

Just seen you're about to replace the media. This isn't needed, keep your old media unless it is literally falling apart. Any good bacteria you have is on the media you are planning on removing, you want to keep it really.

I recommend daily 80% changes to continue to aid his healing.

Black marks are a good sign as they're the healing from the ammonia burns so you're on the right track.

As you're headed to the fish store, skip the filter media and bag yourself a liquid test kit. You won't regret it!xx

Thank you. I have been doing daily water changes of about 70-75%. I also did pick up a liquid test kit

(UPDATE)

The black spot that were on the fish fins are gone. The spot that was on it's side is almost completely gone. Lastly the big spot that was on his head has gotten smaller. Thanks everyone

 

So happy to hear it!x

 

It sounds like your goldfish is on the road to recovery, due to your hard work Firesmurf!

 

HI guys,

I have a few goldfish which are developing a blackened area.
All tank parameters are normal!!
Any ideas what this could be?
Highly doubtful its color change as many goldfish are having the same problem.

FYI: Just finished combatting anchor worms in my tank as pf one week ago, but these spots devloped in the past few days and are growing. Ive been dosing with melafix to help the fish heal from anchor worm bites.

All fish arebehaving normally.

 

pictures??

 

Just went down to try and get a picture and since my last look around the tank the water has gone from perfectly clear to a foggy white and two fish have clamped fins.
Looks lik a bacterial bloom I believe, haven't seen one in about a year. But in treating with a melafix, an antibacterial?
One of my trapdoor snails is sliming far more than normal.
Changed a small amount of water as I have a lot of family over who are all sleeping (dont wanna cause a ruccus and wake anyone up)
Tested ammonia again and its 0. Didnt test anything else for same reason as above.
Also re added the carbon filters and a bit more melafix to replace that lost in the carbon filters.
Not sure what this is but will check on it tomorrow

And I was not able to get a picture, its too foggy.

Wow, I'm worried now so just took another look. The bloom has died down a bit but the blackening is progressing very quickly.

 

Stop using the melafix, it's "just" tea tree oil and likely causing them severe irritation.

What treatment did you use for the anchor worms?
What water conditioner do you use?

What size tank & what type of filtration?

 

Added a little salt to the tank

ApI general cure.
I use prime
55 gallon
I have two aqua tech 5-15 and one 30-60, only the 30-60 has the carbon cartridges in it at this time.

Anhor worm treament ended last sunday (aug 6th) and melafix started this wednesday (aug 9th)

 

Since you can't water change, I would add more carbon and then do a water change to get rid of the Melafix as soon as you can "today" (in the morning).
They may "just" be stressed from all the meds. What is the temp?
Goldfish like it cooler, how many livestock are in the 55gal?

 

Temp is about 72.
3 common goldfish in this tank with 6 trapdoor snails. Have a bundle of giant hairgrass and about 6-8 stalks anacharis.
Bit overstocked with goldfish, but tank has been up and running for about 4 years with no issues since about 3 weeks ago
Newest addition was sometime in fall of 2016.

 

Temp is about 72.
3 common goldfish in this tank with 6 trapdoor snails. Have a bundle of giant hairgrass and about 6-8 stalks anacharis.
Bit overstocked with goldfish, but tank has been up and running for about 4 years with no issues since about 3 weeks ago

Was the Rosy from a previous post in this tank? Just curious, feeders are the most poorly cared for, so always have issues (not from you, from the store)
Everything sounds in order, I would personally assume (without pics) they are reacting to all the meds, make sure to run carbon and good water changes with double dose of water conditioner everytime.

 

No I have 4 tanks and hes (spongebob) is in a different tank, which also had anchor worms but has been fine since I ended my treatment.
Melafix stress honestly makes sense. When I saw the bloom I instinctively added a little more and looking back that's when the blackening really progressed.
Will try and get pics in the morning if the water has cleared up enough.
Thanks a lot! Will update in the am!

 

Melafix stress honestly makes sense. When I saw the bloom I instinctively added a little more and looking back that's when the blackening really progressed.
Will try and get pics in the morning if the water has cleared up enough.
Thanks a lot! Will update in the am!

Sounds good, treat with Prime for tonight (is it safe with Melafix?)
Then turn off the lights and go rest so you can handle this with a clear head

 

Bloom has cleared up a bit but black spot is spreading to other areas. Picture to follow soon

Not great pics but this is the best I can get. Water is still cloudy and phone camera is not good lol.
But if you look closely the blackened area is about 1-3 cm from the start of his tail and occurs on both sides of his body. There is also a black spot that has appeared on the edge of his dorsal fin since last night
]



Also had to add the rosy red to this tabk as hes showing the same symptom now in his other tank so I wanted to try and quarantine it here

 

Also had to add the rosy red to this tabk as hes showing the same symptom now in his other tank so I wanted to try and quarantine it here

What did your water change schedule look like before?

 

25% every wednesday
50% every fourth wednesday

 

Black spots can be caused by soo many underlining issues , normally the first thing to check is water parameters, which you've stated are fine. I would suspect a internal infection of some sort. Have you introduced any new fish in the recent days or weeks?

 

I'd believe that the blackness was from ammonia burns if I have seen any amount of ammonia, but haven't in many many months.
I'd also believe it was healing if the spots weren't growing and metastisizing to other areas on the fish.
I'd believe it was color change if it wasn't happenng to many fish.

 

I think you should test for nitrate and do a water change at the earliest opportunity.

 

Black spots can be caused by soo many underlining issues , normally the first thing to check is water parameters, which you've stated are fine. I would suspect a internal infection of some sort. Have you introduced any new fish in the recent days or weeks?

Yea I inherited two overcrowded tanks fom friends in the last month. But quarentined and medicated those fish for over 2 weeks. Plced one fish in the tank currently infected. And the tank with the infected minnow was the tank I received from a friend
I suspect an infection came from them as well but am unsure what. Parasite, bacteria, fungus, virus, idk! Lol

I think you should test for nitrate and do a water change at the earliest opportunity.

Nitrate was at 20 this morning.
And did a ~25% water change this morning as well. Nitrate was from 15-20 one hour afterwards (likely around 14-16 since I did 25% change)

A day later it appears the growth rate has slowed and the color has turned to more brown than black.