goldfish

[ms_chief]

have lost 3 fish in 3 days, all laying on bottom of tank. those that have died looked like their skin was peeling

[dinga]

I really don't know much about fish but do you think their water has a problem? I guess if one fish gets it, so do the others unless they are taken out of the environment, kind of like kids and nits! Give your tank a good clear out. Good Luckxx

[maggie01]

Sounds like a fungus of some sort. Pop along to your pet store and explain the symptoms to them. There are a lot of treatments on the market to put in your tank.

[Chessman]

I used to keep tropical, not coldwater fish, but i'd say its the water, eg, how often did you change it, do you live in a hard or soft water area, its possible you may need to treat the water before putting the fish in, of course, the possibility must remain, that one of the fish was diseased when you put it in, and its passed it on. Nip along to your local aquatics shop, they are usually very helpful with these things.

[loopey]

i thought they floated to the top?

[maggie01]

No they do not always float to the top when they die.

[Chessman]

Just a thought, I have them sometimes, its possible that the reason the skin appears to be peeling, is because the other fish are 'pecking them'.

[Kelly330711]

Have the fish got white spots all over them if so then the whole tank is infected im not sure if its a fungus or an infection. a friend of mine had the same problem and was given a solution from the vet or you can get it from a pet shop to put in the water to clear it.

[brachiopod]

You don't say if it's a tropical or coldwater set-up you have, or what fish they are. But if you go along to your local aquarists / pet shop and describe the problem (giving as miuch information as you can) - then he may be able to suggest something to help - usually this is in the form of drops put into the water.

The causes of disease can vary, from bacterial and fungal infections to poisoning from toxins that have built up in the water.

Bad water management won't help any of your fish. You must make sure you do partial water changes regularly (don't empty the whole tank in one go - aim to replace between 25 - 35% of the tank water every few weeks) and add a few drops of a tap-water conditioner to the new water. It needn't be a chore - but your fish will be so much healthier - and happier.

[brachiopod]

Apologies - there's a big clue in the title 'goldfish' - doh!