Expert: Tina Beatty- Quiao - 10/3/2008

Question
HI.  I have a black fantail goldfish that has developed a lump on its left side.
The lump is pretty big, and causes the fish to be so buoyant, that it can't dive
down and floats on top of the water. The fish is still very hungry, although
having a hard time getting food due to its predicament. I also have a larger
goldfish in the 10 gallon tank who is doing fine. Any ideas what this could be
and how to treat it? I feel so bad that its having a hard time eating while it
floats at the top. I've done a few water changes, changed the carbon, and did
a saltwater dip for the fish. Nothing seems to help.
Thanks!

Answer
Chad,                                                                  He has a swimbladder infection. It is very common in goldfish.Go to your petshop and get some tetracycline.....treat as directed for 7 days remove your carbon from your filter while you are treating. When the treatment is done he should be fine. Do a 25% water change and replace your carbon with fresh and in the future feed them a pea squished between your finger they will eat it and love you for it. It is a natural antibiotic for them and will stop this from happening again.   Good Luck, Tina