Hello
I am new to this site and have been keeping fish for four days now! I inherited 92 goldfish and shubunkins that are between 6" to 8". They have been moved from two tanks to a new large 30' x 10' pond, they all seem fine but one shubunkin has formed a grey saddle shaped growth on his back. What should I do. He is eating, and breathes air from the surface and swims ok, Please help.
Pippa

Hi Pippa, welcome aboard.
Is it possible to post a picture of the fish?
It could be Carp Pox, if it is, then it is not treatable but usually not serious. I have had fish with white growths and they disappear after a while.
Have you tested the water and what were the results?

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Lucia

Hello Lucie
Thank you for getting back to me, I will try to get a picture asap and no I haven't tested the water yet - but I will take your advice.
I hope you a right and its not something to worry about.
Regards
Pippa:

Hello Lucia
I have isolated the fish in a tank and taken a photo as best I could. It appears to be like a fungal growth. Any more advice would be very welcome
Regards
Pippa

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I am not sure what that is, it could still be carp pox. I think all you can do is keep the water quality good and add an antibacterial like Melafix. If it looks fluffy, use a fungal treatment.

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Lucia

It looks like a bacterial infection to me that is manifesting itself a bit like a fungus in a similar way to mouth rot which is bacterial not fungul.

This will need treatment quickly you have already isolated the fish so if you have a tank spare you can put it in you will be able to treat it.

I would suggest due to the severity you treat it with tonic salt this tends to be very effective at dealing with infections like this.

Alternatively use a remedy called esha 2000 either way the fish should be treated in isolation treating a whole pond is a nightmare especially when it is not necessary and if it goes wrong all the fish are at risk not just the 1 as in your case.

As suggested test the water in your pond.

Have you ever kept fish before?

Are you aware of the nitrogen cycle and basic fish husbandry? If not take a look at the practical fishkeeping website you may need to register on the site to see the relevant info but there are basic guides on fish keeping to be found.

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Alan

Thweeerp!

Thanks for everyones advice - I took your advice and isolated the fish and added a fungicide everyday (as instructed). He is totally better and his scales are recovering nicely. I have put him back into the pond and all is well. Phew!!
THANKS
Pippa

Glad to hear that.

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Lucia