Constipation
Goldfish are prone to constipation, particularly fancy Goldfish. This is due to their deep, rounded bodies and lack of stomach, which means they can struggle with digestion. Lack of poop, bloating, floating symptoms, lethargy and decreased appetite can all be symptoms.
Treatment
☆ Fast the fish for 3-4 days. If the fish can be quarantined during this time, you can continue feeding the tank. If not, fast the entire tank during this period.
☆ Increasing the temperature of the tank, increases metabolism so what has gone in, comes out faster, relieving any pressure caused by constipation.
☆ After the fast, feed a laxative food such as Daphnia, Duckweed or shelled peas. Daphnia is my preferred laxative as it works best, in my opinion.
☆ You may consider eliminating freeze dried foods from the diet completely, either short term or potentially forever. A gel food/fresh diet may be a better option for your Goldfish as they may struggle with digesting freeze dried foods.
☆ Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) acts as a muscle relaxant, which can ease constipation if the fasting and laxatives haven’t helped. Perform baths/dips daily dosing 1teaspoon of Epsom per USG for 15-30minutes. The fish may list during this time, but should be able to right itself if given a little nudge. Should your fish not be able to do so, remove the fish and place it back into the aquarium.
☆ Aquarium salt (Sodium Chloride) will have the opposite effect to Epsom. Do not use Aquarium Salt instead of Epsom as it will not have the desired effects and may exacerbate symptoms.
☆ Prevention is key with constipation. Diet should be thoroughly reviewed and lots of leafy, green vegetables should be added to prevent further issues.
☆ Increasing the temperature of the tank, increases metabolism so what has gone in, comes out faster, relieving any pressure caused by constipation.
☆ After the fast, feed a laxative food such as Daphnia, Duckweed or shelled peas. Daphnia is my preferred laxative as it works best, in my opinion.
☆ You may consider eliminating freeze dried foods from the diet completely, either short term or potentially forever. A gel food/fresh diet may be a better option for your Goldfish as they may struggle with digesting freeze dried foods.
☆ Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) acts as a muscle relaxant, which can ease constipation if the fasting and laxatives haven’t helped. Perform baths/dips daily dosing 1teaspoon of Epsom per USG for 15-30minutes. The fish may list during this time, but should be able to right itself if given a little nudge. Should your fish not be able to do so, remove the fish and place it back into the aquarium.
☆ Aquarium salt (Sodium Chloride) will have the opposite effect to Epsom. Do not use Aquarium Salt instead of Epsom as it will not have the desired effects and may exacerbate symptoms.
☆ Prevention is key with constipation. Diet should be thoroughly reviewed and lots of leafy, green vegetables should be added to prevent further issues.