Help! What could have killed my two fancy goldfish (please read) ?

Question

I just got back from vacation and found my two fancy goldfish dead. One was a white and red Ryukin and the was a Chocolate Oranda. They are MY ONLY FISH I have had them for MONTHS. They are in a 30 gallon tank with two aqua clear filters ! They were VERY Healthy ...

I was on gone for 1 week. I did my weekly 25% water change the night before I left. I used same chlorine remover and same amount that I always use. I fed them the for the last time on Sunday Morning. I used the same brand of food I have been using for 8 + years.

I left them in the care of my brother. I showed him the amount of food to feed. I also listed their care on the sheet of instructions that I left with my brother ( I have other pets) . I called him nightly and asked about ALL MY PETS INCLUDING my two fish. He said they were fine.

Anyhow I just got home and went to check on them and their BOTH DEAD! They smell and a hard and bloated appear to be dead along time. My brother swears he only forgot to feed them today .... He says he done nothing wrong.... Can you please advice ??? What are the possibilities that could have happened?

Note :

*** The fish were in a back bedroom so their was no access to them by my other pets. They was no temp changes in that room.

*** I check the food to see maybe if he over fed them ... There's almost the same amount there as when I left. ( also my brother has had fish in the past so he knows how to feed)

*** The fish were very healthy. I have had them for months.

*** These fish were acquired to replace my other goldfish that died earlier this year. My last fish were 8 and 10 YEARS OLD WHEN THEY PASSED so I know how to care for fish.

I am so upset and sad. I know it sounds stupid but I love my fish... I was looking forward to years with these fish. They were very friendly.

Anyhow , I would appreciate any insight other fish lovers could give thank you.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear about your buddies, I know I shed a tear for lost pets. Unfortunately you may never know what happened. Your brother may know, he was the one in charge of them, until he comes clean and tells the truth ( he may feel really bad as it is about them, so he may not want to make you mad or ashamed at him) you won't know. I would sit down with him and have a calm talk and ask again about what happened, tell him that your not mad, just disappointed and sad about what happened and would like to know the truth. Hopefully you find out what happened. Oh....I would find a new fish-sitter.

Answer 2

Although there weren't any changes in temperature in the room, there is a possibility that the temp in the water could have risen.  Goldfish survive in cold (very cold) temperatures (though I'm sure you know that), so if the temp in the water had risen that could be the cause...though there are very many possibilities.  The fact that it is summer, can also play a factor.

Answer 3

apparently your brother is lying if he said that he only forgot to feed them today but the fish seemed to be dead for a while then he really didn't do much

Answer 4

It dosnt take very much to over feed so that might have happend on accident sorry for your dead fish

Answer 5

sdsss

Answer 6

It doesn't seem like it was your fault. Your fish could have been very old, and though you may have had them less than a year, they may have been at the pet store much longer. They could also get bloated. Goldfish have an air sack in their side, and if they get too much air in their body when feeding they will become bloated. They die very quickly and pretty painlessly. The other goldfish might have eaten the remnants of the food the othergoldfish didn;t eat, and it becmae bloated too.

Answer 7

Could it be that in your absence the water quality became poor? It sounds like everything else is right.

Answer 8

they just alwayz die......

Answer 9

                                   Possibilites :

1.Your brother fed the fish not enough food

2. Thy might have gotten worms (Bloated Belly)

3. How old is your brother? If he is young he may have messed with

    the fish making them stressed, then eventually dieing

Answer 10

I wonder if some kind of chemical got into the water? Also, please check your heater if you use one...the thermostats can malfunction and overheat the fish, and it is also very easy for an inexperienced person (your brother) to accidentally hit the dial while tending to the tank. Goldfish would not last long in a too-hot tank, as they are cold-water fish.

Your brother may know more than he is saying...especially since he must realize how upset and sad you are that they died on his watch. If I were you I'd reassure him that you aren't going to be angry with him if he did something accidentally that caused the fish to die, and that you need his help to figure out what happened.

Answer 11

I read the whole question and I don't see what could have gone wrong. Maybe it was just their time to go. Sorry.

Answer 12

im really sorry... it doesnt sound stupid if you love your fish. i know this might sound really silly but a fish can love his/her owner. They might die of depression because they r not used to your brother. I was on vacation and when i came back my sister's betta was dead even though my aunt feed them everyday with the same amount. They did not die of age. It's not your brother's fault too. I love my fish and i will do anything to protect them.

And check the light. Check if the top is open.

hope you feel better. e-mail me if your still sad. I know how

you feel