How to Take Care of a Goldfish With Fin Rot

Fin rot is a disease that is more common among fancy goldfish, but it may also affect others. Fin rot may be bacterial or fungal in nature, and it is important to tailor the treatment. Bacterial fin rot manifests as ragged fins that may look as though they have been ripped off. Fungal fin rot in goldfish results in the fins turning white and then dying off, which leaves a more even edge. Observe your goldfish and make sure that you know what kind of treatment is required.

Things You'll Need

Net
Cotton swab
Malachite green
Tank
Filter

Instructions

Fungal Fin Rot Treatment
- 1
  Rinse your hands thoroughly with water, cleaning away any trace of soap or other contaminants. Leave your hands slightly damp, as this does not injure the goldfish.
- 2
  Prepare a cotton swab by dabbing it with malachite green, which is a fish medication sold at most aquarium hobbyist stores.
- 3
  Net the affected goldfish out of the aquarium.
- 4
  Hold the goldfish firmly but gently in your hands.
- 5
  Apply a very small amount of the malachite green to the affected area on the fish.
- 6
  Return the goldfish to the tank.
- 7
  Follow the treatment schedule on the bottle of malachite green if one treatment does not solve the problem.
Bacterial Fin Rot Treatment
- 8
  Prepare a quarantine tank for the goldfish, taking care to let the water stand for a day so that the chlorine dissipates.
- 9
  Place a filter on the quarantine tank to keep the water fresh.
- 10
  Net the affected goldfish.
- 11
  Place the goldfish in the quarantine tank.
- 12
  Feed the goldfish antibiotic food on the schedule on the canister. Antibiotic food is available from hobby or pet stores.