My goldfish can't swim?

Question

I bought a goldfish about a 6 weeks and it can't swim. he trys to swim forwards and he goes backwards or very very slowly forwards. he only uses one side fin at a time (never together) meaning that he swims in one direction or another, never forwards! it seems such an effort for him to swim that I want to help him by giving him a shuv. he is healthy. its just a bit bizarre that a fish can't swim! He has got a deformed dorsal fin. i called him spike because he has a spike on his head and a deformed fin! I felt sorry for him.

is this normal? he's been like this since i bought him! poor thing!

Answer 1

maybe its just retarded.

Answer 2

Well, I am so glad you purchased him and care about his well being the way you do.  Stock raised fish used in aquariums have many problems and abnormalities, sounds like he is a victim of being born and raised in an artificial environment.  I am so glad Spike found a good home.  Just make sure he eats and stays healthy and you will have a handicapped little pet for a while!

Answer 3

Ok make sure that you have a air pumper in the tank, and that he is NOT is a bowl. Bowls are so evil to goldfish. A good way to keep him is in a 5 gallon tank (they pretty cheap if you know where to look) always condition the water! also i cant stress this enough Get a air pump. They need oxgean. And this helps them alot! He may be a bit deformed, make sure there no worms hanging from him, and that hes not covered in white spots. Get him some plants to hide from any bacteria. And I suggest doing a water change (if you haven't done one yet) Dot put any medicine in unless you know exactly what wrong with him. If you can post some pics of him that would be nice. Also  when he does seem to get better make sure to get him a friend (another goldfish about his size) Goldfish are Very social. The best of luck to you! And an update on him would be nice ;]

Hope this helps, and he gets better! Remember alot of TLC (tender,love and care) can get a long way!

Good Luck =]

Answer 4

no. this is not normal. But something probably went wrong as an egg.

You have nothing to worry about. He will be fine.