Sick Goldfish

My children's goldfish has been unwell.

For the past ten days it has lain on the bottom of its tank, on its side.

It still eats and occasionally swims around the tank.

I am looking for someone who can give me advice?

Hi Deborah, I am not an expert but from past experiences, here are a few observations...


The fish may have been overfed by the kids or ate more than his fare share of what was given to all the fish and has constipation.


He may have been given something to eat that he couldnt digest (like the broccoli my small one gave our little - now deceased - goldfish).


The first goldfish was able to poo so that made hime better (alas, the second one). I also found that putting him in lots of fresh water (separately) and giving just a little food every other day helped. I trust he is languishing on the botton because he is heavy. My small one used to love tipping half the food jar into the tank (it's now at mummy reach).


Maybe, if your kids are really attached to the fish, you could duck into town and buy another and hide it (same colour, of course!) cos it may perish (sorry) and if it doesnt you have another as a gift! Win, win! Let me know how you go!