fish has hole in gill!!

[ingo_1978]

I have a large fancy goldfish (approx 4") which has developed a nasty hole in one of his gills (approx 3mm).

It first started when I noticed the water had clouded and it had a red sore on it's gill. I assumed it was a bacteria bloom so done a full water change. However, the red sore continued to grow so I treated with a bacterial control containing fomeldahyde. Again the sore continued to grow into a hole in the gill. I then noticed some white around the edge of the hole and treated for fungus and fin rot. The white disappeared, but only to return a couple of days after, I have also noticed red streaks in it tail fin.

The fungus treatment says not to treat again for another seven days, I'm worried the fish is too damaged already and will not make it!

HELP!!

 

[chad1989]

hi, sorry to here im a newbie i done now that much but id go to the emergancy board and try there.......hope ye fish is ok

charlie

 

[sylvia]

Water quality is probably the problem. The key is to solve the root of the problem and not the symptoms.

The 'fungus' is just a secondary bacterial infection.

Begin by testing your water. A single goldfish needs at least twenty gallons to itself. They are messy and grow to 12" (just in case you didn't know this). Your tank should be cycled (read link in signature for more info.) with 0 ammonia/nitrItes and nitrAtes under 40.

I would start by changing the water and replacing with de-chlorinated tap water to solve any water quality issues. Then add some salt and an anti-bacterial/anti-fungus med for the infection.

Red streaks and the like may be a sign of septicemia which is generaly caused by bad water quality - especialy high ammonia (which goldfish produce a lot of) in small tanks or bowls (which are entirely unsuitable for goldfish). Changing the water to improve water quality may be enough to resolve this but some broad-spectrum antibiotics are best used. If you can get food with antibiotics that would be great.

Make sure the cocktail of meds you add to the tank work together. If in doubt, add the antibiotic and some aquarium salt only, or use meds of the same brand as these are usualy ok together.