Yes, goldfish can indeed be infected with parasites. The following are the common types of parasites in goldfish, along with their related symptoms and impacts:
Anchor Worms
Anchor worms (also known as Lernaea) are a common type of parasite that mainly parasitize in the skin and muscles of goldfish, causing "anchor worm disease." After being infected, small red spots or white spines will appear on the surface of the goldfish. In severe cases, it may lead to the fish becoming emaciated, floating weakly, and even dying.
Fish Lice
Fish lice resemble actual lice in appearance and parasitize on the surface of goldfish, causing itching and skin damage. After being infected, goldfish will frequently rub against hard objects to relieve the discomfort.
Swim Bladder Parasites
This type of parasite lives in the swim bladder of goldfish, causing the goldfish to lose its balance and exhibit abnormal swimming behaviors.
Trichodina
Trichodina mainly parasitize in the gills and on the surface of goldfish, causing difficulty in breathing and gill damage. After being infected, goldfish will show symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and an increase in surface mucus.
Dactylogyrus
Dactylogyrus also parasitize in the gills and on the surface of goldfish, causing difficulty in breathing and gill damage, with symptoms similar to those caused by Trichodina.
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot Disease Parasite)
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is the pathogen that causes white spot disease in goldfish. It parasitizes in the skin and gills of goldfish, forming small white spots that are visible to the naked eye. After being infected, goldfish will show symptoms such as white spots on the body surface, loss of appetite, and floating weakly.
Reasons for Parasite Infections
Water Quality Issues: Unclean water quality is the main reason for the proliferation of parasites.
Improper Feeding: For example, feeding bloodworms that have not been treated may carry parasites.
Temperature Changes: Sudden changes in water temperature, either too high or too low, can easily induce parasite infections, especially infections caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.
Prevention and Treatment
Keep the Water Quality Clean: Change the water regularly and use filtration equipment.
Feed Reasonably: Avoid feeding untreated live baits, such as bloodworms.
Raise the Water Temperature for Treatment: For infections caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, the water temperature can be gradually raised to 28-30°C to inhibit the growth of the parasites.
Medication Treatment: Use medications such as potassium permanganate and trimethoprim for disinfection and treatment.
If it is found that a goldfish is infected with parasites, the sick fish should be isolated in a timely manner and corresponding treatment measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease.