A case of the fish pox?
Question:
Hi, I have a seven year old sarassa comet that has lived in the in-ground pond (about 750 gallons) for almost all those years. The fish now has developed a series of raised bumps along the lateral line on each side of it. I don’t see any other problems with this fish or the other goldfish in the pond. Please let me know if this needs treatment or if you know what this is. The pond temp. is now 40 degrees F. Thanks, Kathy
Answer:
If at all possible, please send a picture. These bumps could be fish pox, tumors, parasites, etc. Do the bumps appear to be white with red around them or visa versa? How has your fish been acting and have you tested the water? Water quality is very important to the health of your fish.
Doing at least a 25% water change and starting some kind of treatment will be your best bet at this point in seeing any results with your fish. Determine whether or not the bumps are parasites or not. If they are, treat with a parasite treatment and if they are not, I would do a bacterial treatment and go from there.
Watch the behavior of your fish and note whether or not there are any changes to the bumps.
Don’t forget to check your water conditions. Most fish illness occurs because of poor water quality and stress.