Dropsy causes fish scales to protrude like a pinecone. Learn the symptoms, underlying causes, and realistic treatment options for this serious condition in goldfish and tropical fish.
Dropsy is a symptom of internal organ failure, not a single disease. Learn to recognize pinecone scales, understand why treatment is difficult, and what steps to take when you see this serious condition.
Aquarium salt kills ich by osmotic stress. This method works for goldfish and cichlids but avoid it for catfish and loaches. Learn when to choose salt over Ich-X.
Fish breathing rapidly or gasping at the surface signals gill distress. Learn whether the cause is environmental (oxygen, CO2, gas bubble) or infectious (parasites, bacteria, virus) and how to treat each.
Learn to identify five key goldfish warning signs: gasping at surface, bottom-hiding, white spots, fin erosion, and pinecone scales. Early detection and water quality management prevent most disease issues.
Goldfish gasping at the surface indicates severe oxygen deficiency. Learn the causes and immediate steps to save your fish.
Dropsy causes fish to bloat with scales protruding like a pinecone. Learn why this happens, how to prepare antibiotic-medicated food, and what realistic prognosis looks like for affected fish.
Feed goldfish 1-2 times daily with each portion eaten within 3-5 minutes. Include one fasting day per week. Overfeeding is the leading cause of death in beginner goldfish keeping.
Set up a goldfish tank properly from the start. Learn tank size, filtration, cycling, and water preparation before adding your first fish.
Fin rot causes ragged, fraying fins in aquarium fish. Learn how to treat mild cases with water changes and salt, and severe cases with antibiotics.
Goldfish can live 3-5 years or longer with proper care. The short lifespan many beginners experience comes from common mistakes, not biological limits.
A single goldfish needs at least 1 liter of water per centimeter of body length. Learn why tank size matters and how to calculate the right water volume for your fish.
Most aquarium fish need feeding once or twice daily, but the exact frequency depends on species. Learn the correct feeding schedule for goldfish, bettas, guppies, neon tetras, and koi to prevent overfeeding and keep your fish healthy.
Understand why ornamental fish change color, whether the change is reversible, and what factors influence fish pigmentation in home aquariums.