Swollen goldfish question.

Twistersmom · Sep 6, 2009

I did not post this in disease, because I am not sure if there is reason for concern.
I recently added a second filter (over sized) to my 36 gal goldfish tank and have been watching closely, to make sure that they are not bothered by the current. Anyway, the current did not seem to bother them, but I turned the 2nd filter off today after noticing some swelling in one of my goldfish.

I was unable to get a picture that showed the swelling, but the goldfish does not look symmetrical. One side, just behind the gill area is a lot larger than the other side. No raised scales or discoloration, just notable larger. It's not something I have noticed until today, so believe it is new.

The goldfish is still acting healthy. No water quality issues. There have been no new fish added to the tank for a couple years.

I am now afraid to turn back on the second filter, thinking I may have strained the goldfish with the current.

He gets peas every night, so I don't think its a constipation problem.

Any ideas?

Lupin · Sep 6, 2009

Hi Twistermom,

This intrigues me. I'd just keep the filter off and get one that doesn't produce too much current. Keep a close watch and see if it enlarges itself. You might want to take note that tumors and ulcers tend to be common with goldfish so you have to be on the watchout for these possibilities. Hopefully, it isn't either of the two. It would be a pain since it becomes a hindrance especially when it is located near the gill area. What variant is the goldfish?

msjinkzd · Sep 6, 2009

what is the stocking?

Twistersmom · Sep 7, 2009

I have two fantail goldfish and 3 dojo loaches in the 36 gal. It is a corner aquarium and to me does not appear over crowded. The reason for the second filter, was because I got a good deal on a used Eheim canister filter, that is way oversized for the tank. I turned the spray bar toward the glass and removed the end cap, hoping it would work, but now believe it was a bit much. The swelling is only on the one side, starts at the gill and goes a marble length back. Maybe I should try fasting a couple days, along with the removal of the second filter and check for improvements?

I will see if I can get some pictures of the swelling tomorrow. The pictures I took today, you could not see it.
Here is a picture of the goldfish in question.

Lupin · Sep 7, 2009

Fasting does not hurt. Go for it.

pezzy · Sep 7, 2009

peas are good

Inka4040 · Sep 7, 2009

Goldfish can often be slightly uneven viewed from the top down, for numerous reasons varying from tumors (benign or otherwise) internal scarring, uneven egg distribution, etc... What's the nature of the swelling? Is it localized, or does one side just look uneven from the other?

Twistersmom · Sep 7, 2009

The swelling is more localized, starts right after the gill and ends about a marble Length back, almost circle shaped.

I thought he was a boy, he used to have very distinct white spots on his gills, but now I do not see them, not sure what that would mean.

The goldfish is still acting healthy, so I guess all I can do is watch.
He was not cooperative for picture taking today, always showing me his good side.

Twistersmom · Sep 8, 2009

His swelling does not look any better today. Caught him resting at the bottom of the tank a few times today. That makes me a little nervous, but when he wants to swim, he gets around fine.
Some pictures I took today.

Load warning, had trouble deciding what pictures to use.
Full tank shot at the bottom.