Advice Needed....

[Gemma MacPherson]

Hi all,

I've got two average sized goldfish in one of those 60 litre Bio-Orb
goldfish bowls (I know, I know, don't shout at me for using a bowl)!

One is a Sarasa Comet, and the other is a Shubunkin. I've had them both for
just over a year. They get along fine, but the Shubunkin always chases the
Comet around the bowl. I don't know how often during the day as I work full
time, but in the evenings, it's at least half a dozen or so times. When I
see this happening, I sometimes flick the side of the bowl to stop it. But
they carry on anyway. I've tried separating them but they fall into some
sort of goldfish depression and refuse to eat. As soon as they are back
together......they're as thick as thieves!

My other problem is the Sarasa Comet, when I had her (she looks like a
female fish), she had some kind of fin rot, which did clear. It took part
of her tail fin and one of her pelvic fins (I know the technical terms as I
googled it)!! Where the pelvic fin is missing, there's a patch of soreness
with scales missing. It's been like this for the last year and it doesn't
affect her swimming or her appetite! But sometimes, the Shubunkin will peck
at this sore patch. I don't know whether he's cleaning her or trying to
make her worse. Sometimes the Comet will let him do it, othertimes she'll
dart away like mad.

Any suggestions/advice..........?

Thanks in advance.

--
Gemma MacPherson ¦

[Geezer From The Freezer]

The chasing sounds like mating behaviour. You've probably got a boy and girl in
there.

As for the fish, I would get a much bigger tank for them. Comets and Shubinkins
are
pond fish, but will do well in a bigger tank. I'd suggest a 40 gallon minimum
(you only
have a 15 gallon (approx).

Also Ammonia, Nitrite and nitrate testing is a good idea to ensure the levels
are safe
and 25-50% water changes once a week (depending on the testing levels).