3 weeks in, i think it has a chance. (with pics)

[zeig]

hello,
My friends fish has gone ill the past 3 weeks. it started with blakc.brown spots near its mouth that went over its body then apparently went away but the fish stayed brownish (its a goldfish of some kind). there does seem to be areas where the fish has reddish (as if some kind of burn, i thought it was from ammonia) I dont think its ammonia because the tank is very clean with frequent water changes and the other fish in the tank seems fine.

only info from my friend
week 1: spots
week 2: more spots and bottom of tank (one eye started to get black on the side)
week 3: upside down near top of tank
Now: vertical with back fin down at bottom, still breathing.

it last ate yesterday and didnt today.

any advice? i can only think of a parasite but id assume the other fish would show symptoms.

 

[McLumpy]

Poor thing. I have never seen something like that, so I'm afraid I'm not much help. I did want to chime in though and wish you and your friend good luck w/ getting the fish healthy. However, if the fish is currently vertical at the bottom of the tank, it doesn't sound like there's much time left for the fish.

 

[zeig]

thanks, thats what its looking like. i want to add that the fish's gills are slightly flared and it used to be a brighter gold and is now darker.

Also, i dont know if its in pain and Euthenaisia (sp) came up when i talked to my friend. i read the sticky on it. if it comes down to it, is there any meathod anyone has tried that they know is quick and least painfull?

i appreciate any help.