My Goldfish has a Pointy Lump stcking out of it's side!
By jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
January 14, 2008 11:52pm CST
We have four goldfish (cold water) in a 2 foot aquarium. Early this morning, my daughter noticed that one of them, a pretty multi-coloured fish, has a sharp & very noticeable lump sticking out of its side. It comes out in a point shape.I am almost certain that the goldfish has swallowed a little piece of the coloured gravel covering the floor of the aquarium. At the moment, the fish doesn't seem to be affected at all, but I can't imagine this lasting.
What am I supposed to do about a goldfish that swallows gravel?
4 people like this
9 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
15 Jan 08
I just found something on the web that gives advise to new owners about fish and fish tanks. This is from the article "Gravel is an excellent idea. While not necessary, it helps for a number of reasons. One, it traps dirt and allows it to be easily removed with a vacuum system. Another is that it looks pretty. I mean, after all, you bought the fish so that it would look nice, right? It also gives the fish something to do, and goldfish love to move gravel around. I recommend getting the larger size of gravel rather than the smaller, however. Goldfish pick up gravel in their mouths as they look for food. I've found more than one fish with a piece of gravel stuck in its mouth, which I had to remove. Worse, I've lost a few fish because they were dumb enough to swallow the gravel and it caught in their intestinal systems. Large-size, smooth pebbles seem to eliminate this problem." Here is a link to the article: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/8175/gdcare.html
Wish there was more to offer you.
2 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
16 Jan 08
This is the 2nd time today I have read that fish like to move gravel around, which is something I didn't know. I had previously thought my gravel was large enough, but I guess I didn't allow for the fish getting bigger.
I have never had this happen before with my goldfish.
I suspect that he will have to be "put out of his misery".
Thanks for the link.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
15 Jan 08
The goldfish could pass the piece of gravel. If your water is perfect when you test it, just be patient for the gravel to pass. I would add some larger rock to your tank, as goldfish like to pick up rock.
I have large rock in my daughter's Catfish tank, as they are picking up rock also. Their tank has toys so you would think they can't be bored, but the rock is always being moved.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Jan 08
I thought the gravel pieces were large, but maybe one got broken at some stage. I can't imagine it passing gravel of this size, but who knows!
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
18 Jan 08
I have heard about this, and not sure what you are supposed to do to help make sure it clears ok, but I would be keeping a close eye on your fish, and make sure he is OK. I think in reality there is not much you can do unless you try to feed it more or find ways for it to not want to eat gravel anymore.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
18 Jan 08
I dont think there is anything I can do, but make sure I get larger gravel. The fish is still alive by the way.
@GardenGerty (169474)
• United States
16 Jan 08
That is a new one on me, although I had wondered about it, because over the years I have seen goldfish mouth gravel, and spit it back out. I wondered what would happen if they swallowed it. I do not suppose they are like a chicken with a gullet?
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
17 Jan 08
I can't remember the internal strcuture of a goldfish, but I am not holding out much hope for this one. It is still very active & feeding normally, which surprises me.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Jan 08
I would doubt that it could poop it out without damaging its insides. Its still alive & the lump is still there.
1 person likes this
@AICIRT81 (847)
• United States
15 Jan 08
i'm not an expert but i would think that the gold fish would poop it out. if you are really concerned your could call a vet but i think for a goldfish that maybe a bit drastic. Hope your fish is feeling better.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Jan 08
I have decided it is not worth calling a vet for a goldfish. I just dont think a vet could do anything about it.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
15 Jan 08
There is nothing you can do. I am sure it won't be able to survive that way. I have never heard of them eating gravel.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Jan 08
I dont think it will be able to survive either. It is still eating normally.
