Goldfish Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infection covers a range of goldfish illnesses, with varying causes. Dirty and/or cold water, overcrowding and corn-based diets can all lead to bacterial infection. Another main cause of these goldfish illnesses is infection via sores left by parasites such as anchor worm, fish lice or skin flukes. All goldfish are covered by a thin layer of slime that prevents bacterial infection. When a parasite pierces the slime layer then drops off, susceptibility to bacterial infection is increased. Bacterial infection can also occur after injury.

Some common goldfish illnesses such as dropsy, tail and fin rot and ulcers are caused by bacterial infection.

Visible symptoms of goldfish illnesses caused by bacterial infection include cloudy eyes, reddening of skin or fins, open red or white sores, ragged fins, abscesses, skin inflammation, bulging eyes, fungus-like white growth and rapid breathing.

There are many medications available in pet shops that treat bacterial infection in goldfish. For open sores it is recommended to wash them in iodine or hydrogen peroxide solution and apply antibiotic ointment. In some cases it may be necessary for a vet to administer an antibiotic injection. When treating these goldfish illnesses it is also advisable to add 1-3g of aquarium salt to the water due to salt loss caused by bacterial infection.