There can be several reasons why a goldfish may not have scales, and the following are the common causes and corresponding solutions:
1. Scale Protrusion Disease
Cause: Scale Protrusion Disease is a disease caused by bacterial infection. It will cause the scales of the goldfish to gradually fall off, and in severe cases, the goldfish may lose all its scales completely.
Solution: Use furacilin powder for a medicated bath once a day, for 20-30 minutes each time, and continue for about 7 days. This can effectively relieve the symptoms.
2. Water Quality Issues
Cause: Poor water quality or abnormal water temperature (such as being too low or changing suddenly) can cause the scales of goldfish to fall off, and may even lead to the phenomenon of "scale explosion".
Solution: Change the water regularly to keep the water clean. Keep the water temperature above 25°C and avoid drastic changes in water temperature.
3. Injury or Fighting
Cause: When a goldfish fights with other fish in the fish tank or is impacted, it may cause the scales to fall off.
Solution: Isolate the injured goldfish to avoid further harm, and apply anti-inflammatory medicine to the wound to promote healing.
4. Parasite Infection
Cause: Parasite infections (such as Saprolegnia) will corrode the scales of the goldfish, leading to scale loss.
Solution: Use potassium permanganate or oxytetracycline for a medicated bath to eliminate the parasites and prevent the spread of the infection.
5. Overcrowded Stocking
Cause: Having too many fish in the fish tank will cause the goldfish to collide with each other while swimming. Long-term friction will result in scale loss.
Solution: Reduce the stocking density to provide enough space for the goldfish to move around.
6. Genetic Mutation or Disease
Cause: In extremely rare cases, a goldfish may be scaleless due to a genetic mutation or congenital ichthyosis.
Solution: In this situation, it is usually impossible to completely cure the problem. It is necessary to pay attention to the water quality and the breeding environment to avoid further health problems.
Preventive Measures
- Regularly check the water quality and keep the fish tank clean.
- Avoid keeping aggressive fish species together.
- Provide appropriate water temperature and sufficient oxygen.
If the goldfish's scale loss is severe or accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, it is recommended to consult a professional veterinarian or ornamental fish expert in a timely manner and take targeted treatment measures.