Regular Member Lorna Posted April 3 Regular Member Share Posted April 3 Hi Everyone, we have three fancy goldfish; two fantail and one black moor. About two months ago, the black moor developed a fungus. We did regular water changes, fungal treatments and salts. We also seperated the fish and increased the aeration in his temporary tank. The fungus is mostly gone, however after 6 weeks of repeated treatment, this fish has a pink/red growth/lump coming from behind his gill plate (see photos) This fish still eats and slowly swims but isn’t very energetic compared to the other two. my question is; do we carry on with the treatment or is it more humane to euthanise this fish? thank you for any advice you can give, Lorna 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helper Arctic Mama Posted April 3 Helper Share Posted April 3 So, that growth is a tumor. And they’re fairly benign as far as well can tell if the the fish is active, eating, swimming, etc. When you begin to see changes in behavior or physical condition that’s when it is time to euthanize. The fish is on the clock, but I don’t personally believe it is cruel to leave the animal alive so long as their quality of life looks good by those metrics. Once they begin to decline though, it’s time to euthanize. I can’t see what you do, day to day. Is the lower energy lower compared to this same fish a few weeks or months ago? If so, it may be beginning to struggle with balance or finding it hard to swim with the tumor’s position, possibly even obstructing movement of the gills. That would also be a clue to euthanize. But if the fish is still acting like itself you could give it more time. Or not. It’s really an individual call in the end. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Lorna Posted April 5 Author Regular Member Share Posted April 5 Hi! thank you very much for you advice! In answer to your question; he has started to slow down. In our main tank he sat on the bottom constantly, but when we moved him to highly aerated tank he swims a little more but still no where near the amount as the fan tails… he still eats and moves slowly around the tank. if we were to return him, do you think the other fish would pick at this tumour? thanks again, Lorna 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helper Arctic Mama Posted April 5 Helper Share Posted April 5 They very well might bully him, it’s also spring so you’re going to see more chasing and nipping than baseline for many goldfish because of breeding season and sexy times. You can always give it a try and euthanize him if he struggles. It’s 100% your call and comfort level. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Lorna Posted April 5 Author Regular Member Share Posted April 5 Thanks very much for all your advice 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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