My goldfish doesn’t eat and stays at the bottom: what should I do?

When a goldfish remains motionless at the bottom of the aquarium and refuses to feed, the concern is legitimate. I regularly receive consultations from owners who are appalled by this behaviour. A few months ago, a client brought me her lethargic Oranda in a bag – a classic case that illustrates this problem perfectly. Understanding the causes of this behavior is the first step in helping your aquatic companion. 🐠

Quick summary:

Goldfish lying motionless at the bottom of the aquarium present a health problem that requires quick intervention.

• THE defective swim bladder affects balance and can be treated with fasting followed by shelled peas
• AND unsuitable aquatic environment with incorrect water parameters it causes stress and respiratory problems
• THE bacterial infections and parasites cause lethargy and loss of appetite
• An aquarium too small (less than 50-60L per fish) creates stressful conditions harmful to health
• THE daily monitoring Symptoms such as damaged fins or difficulty breathing allow for early diagnosis

Why does your goldfish stay at the bottom and no longer eat?

Several factors may explain this alarming behavior. There defective swim bladder It is among the most common causes. This disorder particularly affects the balance of the fish and its ability to maintain itself at different levels in the aquarium.

THE’unsuitable aquatic environment also plays a decisive role. In my practice I often observe that incorrect water parameters are the main source of problems for aquarium fish. Water laden with ammonia, nitrites or nitrates can cause significant stress and respiratory problems.

THE bacterial or parasitic infections it can also lead to lethargy and loss of appetite. Likewise, digestive problems such as constipation significantly affect fish behavior.

Related symptoms to watch out for:

• Fins attached to the body or damaged
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Pipes (which rise to the surface to suck in air)
• Discoloration or dulling of the scales
• Swollen belly and erect scales (sign of dropsy, often fatal)

Dropsy, characterized by abdominal swelling and bristly scalesgenerally represents an advanced stage of the disease. Unfortunately I often have to tell owners that when these signs appear the prognosis becomes guarded. This is why it is essential to detect behavioral changes early.

Another often overlooked factor is environmental stress. An aquarium that is too small (less than 50-60 liters per fish) or overcrowded creates stressful conditions that can seriously compromise the health of goldfish. Just like our more conventional pets, fish can also be affected by chronic stress, as I regularly observe in cases of stress-related lymphoma in cats.

Effective solutions to help your fish in difficulty

When faced with a lethargic goldfish, several interventions can prove life-saving. For the swim bladder problemsa 48-72 hour fast followed by a diet of poached and shelled peas often offers good results. 🌱

I was able to see the effectiveness of this method on the fish of a young patient. After three days on the special diet, his oranda was swimming normally again. Avoid floating foods that encourage the ingestion of air and favor a varied diet that sinks to the bottom.

For the water quality problemstest parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates) regularly. Perform 20-30% water changes weekly and never replace all the water at once. Respecting the nitrogen cycle is essential to maintaining a healthy environment.

Here are the recommended interventions based on the problems identified:

For the specific infections and diseasesIt is recommended to isolate sick fish in a hospital tank before applying appropriate treatment. Natural remedies can sometimes complement conventional treatments, as we also see with natural dewormers for dogs.

Prevent health problems in your goldfish

Prevention remains the best approach to avoid these stressful situations. Here are the essential steps to keep your fish healthy:

1. Provide a sufficiently spacious aquarium (minimum 50-60 liters per poisson)
2. Install a effective filtration (3-4 times the aquarium volume per hour)
3. Run regular water changes (20-30% weekly)
4. Suggest a balanced and varied diet
5. Maintain a stable temperature between 16 and 23°C

Quarantining new fish for 2-4 weeks is a precaution I consistently recommend. This simple practice helps prevent the introduction of parasites or diseases into your main aquarium. 🔍

The choice of substrate and plants also influences the well-being of fish. Opt for one smooth gravel or sand and resistant plants such as anubia or ceratophyllum. Daily observation remains your best resource for quickly detecting any abnormal behavior.

Swim bladder problems are especially common in compact-bodied goldfish such as Oranda, Fantail or Ryukin. Particular attention should be paid to these varieties. In my clinic I have noticed that these breeds often require more careful care, just as some equines require specific remedies against flies.

Remember that goldfish can go several days without eating without any problem. Don’t give in to the temptation to eat too much, as it could worsen digestive problems. Strict and regular aquarium maintenance is the key to a long and healthy life for your aquatic companions. 🌊