Reasons for Goldfish Lying on the Tank: Possible Causes

Many aquarists mistakenly believe that their goldfish are sick when they see them lying at the bottom of the tank. However, it's important to note that goldfish don't only exhibit this behavior when they're ill; they may also rest on the tank bottom during their normal routine. Below, we'll delve into the common reasons why goldfish might lie at the bottom of their tanks.

Common Causes of Goldfish Lying at the Bottom

1. Routine Resting: Goldfish often rest on the bottom of the tank, especially in darker conditions. When approached, they might move slowly. If they regain their energy once the environment brightens, there's no need for concern.

2. Adaptation to New Environment: New arrivals to a tank might be shy and inactive due to the unfamiliar surroundings and possible stress from transportation. They may hide and rest in corners. It's advisable to keep them in a dimly lit area for a while to allow them to acclimate. Once they adjust, they'll become lively again.

3. Low Water Temperature: When water temperatures are too low, goldfish can become listless and lose their appetite, leading to them lying at the bottom. In such cases, the aquarist should gently raise the water temperature and allow the fish to rest, which will help them recover.

4. Water Quality and Temperature Fluctuations: Significant changes in water quality or temperature can stress goldfish and cause them to lie at the bottom. It's crucial for the keeper to promptly adjust these factors to maintain stable and suitable conditions for the fish.

5. Illness: Goldfish may also lie at the bottom if they are sick, displaying symptoms like headtilting, emaciation, gill disease, or enteritis. If illness is suspected, the keeper should act quickly to treat the fish to prevent further complications.

In summary, there are numerous reasons why goldfish might lie at the bottom of their tanks. Identifying the specific cause is key to implementing the right corrective measures.

As mentioned earlier, goldfish with enteritis may also exhibit this behavior, making it a common cause. But how can you tell if your goldfish has enteritis? And what should you do if you suspect it?

The Symptoms of Goldfish Enteritis: Common symptoms include listlessness, slow movement, isolation, refusal to eat, darkening of the body, and abdominal bloating. In severe cases, the fish may exude a bloodyellow mucus from the abdomen. Keepers can use these symptoms to determine if their goldfish is suffering from enteritis.

Causes of Goldfish Enteritis: Enteritis can be caused by various factors, such as unclean food, overfeeding, or bacterial infections. In the early stages, the fish might show signs of dullness, slow movement, solitary behavior, and loss of appetite. Treatment at this stage is relatively straightforward: stop feeding, add a small amount of salt to the water, raise the temperature, and let the fish rest for a few days.

For more severe cases with symptoms like protruding anal opening, red and swollen anus, and a belly full of mucus, medication is necessary. Common treatments include furazolidone powder and antibiotics, which can be used for dips. Here's a detailed approach to treatment:

In the early stages of enteritis, measures such as water changes, adding salt, and raising the temperature can help the fish rest and recover. This method is generally effective for earlystage enteritis.

In the middle stages, the keeper should dissolve furazolidone powder in the water for dips, performing the dip 23 times a day. This can usually alleviate the symptoms of enteritis.

In the later stages, antibiotics like gentamicin or erythromycin may be necessary. During treatment, it's important to stop feeding, change the water frequently, and ideally isolate the sick fish.

Understanding the reasons behind goldfish lying at the bottom can greatly assist keepers in accurately diagnosing and addressing the issue.