AILMENTS AND DISEASES OF THE GOLDFISH AND OTHER 
FRESHWATER FISHES, AND THEIR REMEDIES 
As already stated, the appearance and conduct of the goldfish and 
other fishes are the surest indications of health or illness. A bright color, 
clean appearance, expanded fins, lively disposition, good appetite and active 
digestion are indicative of good health; while a dull color, coated or in- 
flamed body and fins, a congested appearance, drooping or fraying fins and 
tail, apathy, loss of appetite, and disturbances of the digestive system 
indicated by the unusual appearance of the excrement, are equally certain 
indications of illness. 
The goldfish is not only subject to the usual ailments of fishes but to 
others incidental to the unnatural conditions under which it is propagated, 
marketed and kept in captivity. Many of the diseases are the result of 
unsanitary conditions due to inexperience, neglect or overkindness; others 
are due to infection and the presence of external and internal parasites. 
These diseases may affect the surface and the fins, the respiratory organs, 
the digestive, pulmonary and muscular systems, and the swimming bladder. 
This important subject will be treated of at large, as investigations of the 
diseases of goldfishes and their remedies have not had the careful attention 
which has been devoted to other domesticated animals, and on account of 
the meagre data it is difficult to classify them other than on general lines. 
At all stages of their existence fishes are subject to a variety of 
diseases. [he spawn is attacked by a white fungoid growth which covers 
the exterior with a mat of fine hair like filaments, first visible on unfertile 
eggs but which spreads to others with which it comes in contact. A sim- 
ilar fungus attacks the umbilical sac of the alevin. Numerous other 
diseases also afflict the fry, while the organic and parasitic diseases of 
goldfishes may be classed as systemic, surface, gill, fin, fungus and parasite, 
the origin of which may be traced either to simple or to more complex 
and obscure causes; all more or less fatal to these beautiful household pets 
of which fine specimens are probably more difficult to rear than any other 
domesticated animal. 
Detection oF Itiness. In good health, the goldfish swims with a 
slow and regular motion, with the dorsal fin erect and the pectorals moving 
easily and regularly. When startled it darts to the bottom by a vigorous 
stroke of all the fins. When ill or out of condition, the movements are 
languid or the fish will remain motionless near the top or on the bottom 
of the aquarium, the dorsal fin folded on the back and the movement of 
the pectorals listless, as though the fish were unwilling to make exertion. 
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