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My goldfish, chowder, is staying at the top and won't eat. He won't use one of his pectoral fins. I think it is broken. It's red and has a white spot on it. I dont know what happened. He might have been already sick then got hurt because my dad sucked his fin up by the cleaning hose. But he doesn't remember if that was before or after he wouldn't eat.

My goldfish, chowder, is staying at the top and won't eat. He won't use one of his pectoral fins. I think it is broken. It's red and has a white spot on it. I dont know what happened. He might have been already sick then got hurt because my dad sucked his fin up by the cleaning hose. But he doesn't remember if that was before or after he wouldn't eat.

Updated On June 16th, 2017

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | unneutered | 0 lbs

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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Check the water quality using a home test kit. Fish will linger at the top due to high ammonia or nitrite levels or in instances of low oxygen levels in the tank. Being a goldfish, you can't rule out constipation or swim bladder disease. Partial water changes, with aged or conditioned water, can be done to reduce ammonia and nitrites. Increased filtration will help to promote better water quality. An air pump with a bubble wand or air stone will increase oxygen levels. If he is defecating normally and is swimming normally, it is likely not digestion or swim bladder issues. These conditions are typically managed with a 24-48 hour fast followed by feeding fresh, shelled peas until symptoms resolve. The red spot may be due to trauma from the suction hose or it may be infection. Both can be treated using plain aquarium salt. Dissolve one teaspoon per gallon of water and mix it into the tank. You should see improvement within 5-7 days. Treat for no longer than 10 days. If there is no improvement, you can use a broad spectrum antibiotic for fish tanks. Check the Aquarium section in your local Petco for antibiotics such as erythromycin, minocycline or kanamycin. Follow package directions carefully.

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