What does it mean when a white goldfish develops red splotches on it's body?

Question

What does it mean when a white goldfish develops red splotches on it's body?

Answer 1

it could just be part of ageing ,but it also could  be some sort of parasite.

Answer 2

Red splotches are definitely not normal color development.  I agree that it is a bacterial infection, however, this infection is in the blood stream, and if Melafix wasn't already worthless enough, it will be even less effective on infections it can't reach (internal ones).  Using a REAL medication that the fish will actually absorb, like Maracyn TC, Furan 2, Maracyn 2, Triple Sulfa, Trisulfa, Metronidazole, Kanaplex, Hexamit, Flagyl, or similar medications (AFTER removing any activated carbon from the filter) will be FAR more effective.  Also, keep the water very clean, as this infection is rare in un-stressed fish, and poor water quality is an easy way to stress fish.

Septicemia: http://www.nps.gov/piro/naturescience/im...

http://www.aquariumhobbyist.com/guppies/...

Answer 3

Could be a bacterial growth or fungus. Is it just color, or is it somehow not part of the fish.

Gold fish continously change colors throughout there life, if the area is just red in color and not elevated, jagged, or painful looking, then it could just be your goldfish changing color. When I first got my goldfish Naruto, he was pure gold. Then as he got older he developed black spots, as he grew older still he got pure black, then after a while got white spots. I had to donate him after that cause he was way too large for my tank "He was something like 8 inches long and fat" I visit him at the shop cause he's so large no one has bought him. He's now back to gold with a white belly. X3

If you could, take a picture and link us to it so that we can see for ourselves.

Answer 4

It has a bacterial infection. Immediately you should do a water change of at least 50% of the water.

If you have a liquid test kit, test your water parameters for nitrite and ammonia. If you don't have a test kit, get one.

Also, go to the pet store and look for a medicine that treats bacterial infections. Melafix would be a good option.