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Goldfish turning black. Could it be tadpoles

LenOgierLenOgier Posts: 4
in Wildlife gardening

I recently bought 12 small goldfish for my pond and 3 went black (all over) after 3 to 4 days. There were many tadpoles in the pond when I put the fish in and now there are only one or two. One of the 3 goldfish seems quite bloated.

It sounds stupid but could the fish have gorged on the tadpoles and it was this that turned them black. I checked for fish diseases and some websites say it could be ammonia in the water, but the ammonia level looks OK - very low. The water is a bit murky but not that bad.

Has anyone got any ideas or had something similar? 

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Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,568

    I WOULD RECOMMEND A VISIT TO A FISH KEEPING FORUM.

    THESE PEOPLE HELPED ME ONCE.

    https://forum.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • LenOgierLenOgier Posts: 4

    Thanks. I'll try it

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 9,981

    I'm sure it wouldn't be tadpoles that's caused it.
    Goldfish are fancy carp. Carp are usually a dull greeny/brown colour, maybe it's something to do with the water that's causing it and they're literally off-colour 

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LenOgierLenOgier Posts: 4

    Yes I think you're right, but the problem is what's wrong with the water? I tested for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and it all seems OK. I had fish before and they were OK until a heron had them, although some were black. It seems strange that I can't find anything on the web or in books that talks of this colour change, literally over a day. I'll try looking harder and post something on "practical fishkeeping" as suggested by pansyface when I work our how to do it. Thanks.

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 9,981

    the forum is here-

    https://forum.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/

    I'm an irregular member

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Have you had a good look at one of the black goldfish? Can you tell whether it is a black sooty/fungal growth or not? 

    Goldfish when they are born in the UK are black and only turn gold as they get older and get more sun. That;s an interesting fact rather than any help!

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • theaquaticedentheaquaticeden Posts: 1
    Why do goldfish turn black? I think the main cause could be the high ammonia content of the water. Ammonia levels in the water will increase as food residue and fish waste become trapped in your aquarium water. This is known as an ammonia burn, and black or brown spots will appear as the fish's skin begins to heal. Another cause to mention is disease. Although very rare, this disease can be transmitted by snails living in your aquarium. To get rid of it, you will need to get rid of all the snails in your aquarium while also getting rid of the parasites.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,314
    Since it's a 4 year old thread, and it was a pond, not an aquarium, I doubt if the OP will be checking the forum for further advice.

    Or do you have a company to promote @theaquaticeden by any chance?   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 21,383
    I’ve just put it on Flags. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,314
    I'd say it's a solid gold chancer @Lyn - but I like to give them a chance to defend themselves  :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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