Fish disease

[erniemorton]

I have an outdoor pond and one of my goldfishes has been swimming in an inverted position for about 6 months now and stationary most of the time (until nudged). It has also recently developed a nasty sore on its side but i'm not sure whether it has been clawed by a cat maybe. The rest of the fish appear totally unaffected. Anybody help? 

[andyjevs]

Most open wounds on fish are usually caused by bacterial infections caused by poor water conditions or as a secondary infection to diseases such as white spot. They "ulcers" are treatable but it's usually too late once they've got a hold. A broad spectrum bacteriacide should help the other fish. Meanwhile, check your pond is not over stocked or over fed and the fish not overly stressed by kids throwing things in etc etc and maybe run a hosepipe in the pond for an hour or so each week just to change some of the water. Pond fish do occasionally show strange behaviour like yours does. It might however be a problem with the swim bladder that's causing the problem. Good luck