What Is Wrong With My Fish?

I am worried about my Bubble Eye Goldfish. For the past couple of days all she has been doing is laying on the bottom of the tank. And it also looks like she has black spots on her back now. I have another in the tank with her, and he isn't acting this way. Yesterday, when I went to feed them, she didn't even go up. So later in the evening, I put a very tiny amount to see if she would try to eat then, but she didn't. I watched her and she acted as if she was going to, she came about a half inch from the bottom, but then went right back and stayed there.
Also, my fish are very fat, which I'm not sure if these types of fish are generally fat or not. But, when I brought the second one in [the one who acts fine], he wasn't as fat, but has gotten fat. I was feeding them 3 times a day though, but have cut back to only 1 when I learned 3 wasn't good. But, I haven't noticed any size difference.
What could possibly be wrong?

Could I perhaps ask what size tank your goldfish is in? Lethargy and black spotting, esp if there is also rapid gill movement and a general "unwellness" can be the result of ammonia poisoning. It is probably the most common cause of death in goldfish, since many people keep them in inadequate tanks. So, answer the following so we can help:
- What size tank?
- How many goldfish?
- What size (in/cm) goldfish?
- What are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.)
- What kind of filtration do you have?
- Is your tank cycled?
- How much are you feeding during these daily feedings?
- How is the tank temp?
- Do you have a bubbler (aeration?)

RandomWiktor said:

Could I perhaps ask what size tank your goldfish is in? Lethargy and black spotting, esp if there is also rapid gill movement and a general "unwellness" can be the result of ammonia poisoning. It is probably the most common cause of death in goldfish, since many people keep them in inadequate tanks. So, answer the following so we can help:
- What size tank?
- How many goldfish?
- What size (in/cm) goldfish?
- What are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.)
- What kind of filtration do you have?
- Is your tank cycled?
- How much are you feeding during these daily feedings?
- How is the tank temp?
- Do you have a bubbler (aeration?)

Click to expand...

Sorry, I should've included all of these things, but to answer your questions ...
-Unfortuantely my tank is only about 2 gallons. I know this is too small, but I am a college student and cannot have any bigger.
- I have 2 goldfish
- The size of them, I would say from head to tail, is about 2 inches for the sick one, and 3 inches for the other one.
- I'm not sure what my parameters are b/c I don't know how to check them. )
-I'm not exactly sure what kind of filtration I have either. I know it is an ELITE and it came with my tank. It is submerged under the water and blows air into the water.
- Does the filter cycle the tank?
-I feed about a pinch once a day, around noon.
- I think the temperature is room temperature.
-No, I don't have a bubbler.

Sorry, I don't know very much. I probably look really stupid. Thanks for trying to help though. [I attached a picture I found of the filter that is in my tank. Actually, in the background is my tank too]

Ok. I see what the problem is. Your goldfish are unfortunately dying of either ammonia poisoning or organ compression from being in an undersized tank. Common goldfish need 20 gallons to survive to maturity. In smaller conditions, they will succumb to ammonia poisoning due to their massive fecal output (while most fish need 1 gallon per inch of adult body length, goldfish need more like 2-4 gallons), or will suffer a worse fate: organ compression. The goldfish's body becomes unable to grow any further, but internally, it is still maturing. The "fatness" of your goldfish could very well be their organs swelling in a body that is simply too small for them. This is the fate of many goldfish, sadly, which is why most live less than a year or two of their 20+ year potential lifespan.
At this point, my best advice to you would be to try and return them to the store. Most pet stores will gladly take back fish purchased from them. This way, they can be removed from a toxic environment and will have a chance at finding a new home. Once you are out on your own and can have a large tank, you can try your hand at goldfish again, as you obviously love them to be concerned.
If you rehome them (hopefully), why not try a betta in your 2 gallon tank? The tank is too small for pretty much any other fish, but for a betta, it will make a nice home. You won't even have to buy a bubbler (the goldfish need one). You could probably remove the filter, as it would only stress a betta, and give him even more room. He'll be glad to be out of that cup! You can find more info on the species on the betta board at this forum.

Wow, I never even knew that could happen. It's awful. Thanks for the help.

Oh, could regualr water change help the ammonia problem?? I change the water every week??? I just don't want to give my babies away.

With the cramping in your tank right now, you could clean it every day, and the poor little guys would still do poorly. Remember, ammonia poisoning (which is very painful; imagine breathing and being soaked in ammonia 24/7) is not the only issue here; organ compression is a serious concern. I know you love your little fishes, but the kindest thing you could do by the them is rehome them. Heck, if I lived near you, I'd offer a home so you wouldn't have to return them to the store. Do you know anyone who could take them and provide a larger tank, perhaps?

Also, changing all the water every week is very bad for the health of the fish. You should perform weekly water changes which replace around 30% of the water in the tank. This way you aren't damaging the population of beneficial bacteria found in the water. Here is some more information which I really think you should read, even if you end up giving the fish away then you'll know for future reference:
http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/cycling2.htm
http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/bcycling.htm
http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/testkits.htm
If you are able to buy a tank that is 30 inches long x 12 inches wide x 18 inches high with a decent filter like a Fluval 3 + (this one: http/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=HG10170 ) then you won't have to give them away, but if you can't provide these things then unfortunately all you're doing is killing the fish. I don't mean to be harsh, but it's about what's best for your fishies.

A twenty gallon tank is needed and with the best will in the world you wont be able even with 100% water changes manage to keep those fish going for much longer.
10 times filtration turnover as well but unless you can get something like a large tub then its looking bleak. The black spots are the healing marks caused by the ammonia and takes about two weeks to heal.
The fish may be constipated as well, have you seen them poo at all and if so what did it look like. Healthy poo is short dark chunks. You should also feed something other than flakes as well, maybe a freeze dried or gel food.