White Bump On Goldfish

[rgsmith0522]

Good Afternoon Everyone, recently over the past month our Goldfish has developed a largish white bump on his head. Originally I thought it might be Ick, but after I did some more digging, I'm not so sure. any thoughts? If so, any thing I can do about it? Pics below.

Thank you!
Robert

 

[Andy Sager]

It's definitely not Ick as Ick is only about the size of a grain of salt. To be honest, the fish does not appear to be a healthy fish based on it's body shape, fin appearance and shape. Goldfish, even healthy ones, are prone to tumors and it appears that this fish is developing one on his head. Sadly, there is nothing you can do to treat tumors past making sure the fish has good clean water and a healthy diet. The good news is that tumors are not a death sentence unless they impede the fish's ability to feed. The bad news is that they can get unsightly.

Hope this helps.

 

[Aiken Drum]

Is that the fishes main tank or a temporary hospital tank?

 

[rgsmith0522]

It's definitely not Ick as Ick is only about the size of a grain of salt. To be honest, the fish does not appear to be a healthy fish based on it's body shape, fin appearance and shape. Goldfish, even healthy ones, are prone to tumors and it appears that this fish is developing one on his head. Sadly, there is nothing you can do to treat tumors past making sure the fish has good clean water and a healthy diet. The good news is that tumors are not a death sentence unless they impede the fish's ability to feed. The bad news is that they can get unsightly.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Andy, we do our best to take care of him, his appearance other than the bump has not changed much. He is still very active. Full disclosure he is a goldfish my son won at the carnival but that was 7 years ago.

 

[rgsmith0522]

Is that the fishes main tank or a temporary hospital tank?

Hi Aiken, this is main tank. I know it is far from ideal but our place of residence will not allow for anything bigger. We've had him for 7 years and he is a carnival fish that my son won (who passed shortly after winning him) so we are the best we can.

 

[Aiken Drum]

You have done remarkably well to keep your fish alive for 7 years in such a small aquarium. An adult goldfish will be in the region of 8 to 12", and living in too small a space causes stunting which in turn leads to issues with internal organ growth and general long term health issues. This could explain the general appearance of your fish.

At its advanced age I don't really see much benefit in improving the living conditions, and as you say you are providing the best you are able. I'd just continue doing what you are doing, you are obviously doing something right. Maybe put in a bit extra effort with water changes to keep the water pristine.

I agree with Andy that the lump looks like a tumour, which isn't treatable beyond surgery which I wouldn't recommend in your situation. Just keep up with what water maintenance you can, if it doesn't interfere with the fishes ability to swim and eat you can enjoy a few more years of your fish.

We sometimes bang on about aquarium size for goldfish, but the world record age (43 years) for a goldfish was one won at the fairground and kept in a small bowl. The 43 year old goldfish shared its bowl with another goldfish who lived 19 years. So while it's unusual, these things do work out on occasion.

 

[Andy Sager]

Sorry for your loss.
Carnival fish are not usually of the best quality so it's not surprising the fish is misshapen. Unfortunately, goldfish in a small tank do not usually do well. That said, my Niece kept 2 comets in a 10 gallon tank for 10 years. When I saw them for the first time at about year #9, the only bad thing about them was their size as she was very conscience of water changes and diet. So while it can be done, it's not the best fish for a small tank. Understandably you want to keep the fish for emotional reasons but you need to be aware it's not the best thing for the fish to be in a small tank. There are going to be things happening to the fish at that age that the tank size is the cause so there's nothing you can do for those. Kudos to you tho for keeping him the 7 years.