My goldfish (around 13 years old) is curled up on the bottom of the bowl. Is he dying or could he be saved?

I’m sorry about your goldfish. It doesn’t sound good. But 13 years is a long time for a goldfish.. You must have taken very good care of it. However, I think your parents are right. Sorry again.

(there is a condition called ‘Ick’ that fish get and there is a solution you can put in the water for the fish. However, it is used while the fish is still swimming around and you can see it on its body.)

I personally raise several types of fish, and I hate to say it but it sounds like it is dead, however, depending on the cleanliness of the water, your fish may pull through if you use an aquasol, or a water purifier.

He was old. Time to give him a proper burial kid…

I thought goldfish only lived 2 weeks. Mine did.

Time to say your goodbyes like your parents suggest. Good luck with this,

Hate to say it but yes he is probably dying. Gold fish generally live 5–10 years. Some can live much longer than that though. If i recall correctly the oldest goldfish was 40 something.

What are your water parameters and has anything changed recently?

We’ve just refreshed the water, maybe he’ll feel (if not a bit) better.

@autumn43 I can’t see white spots on his fin, but he does have black dots, very tiny. He had those when we got him, though.

@uberbatman I don’t know the water parameters, we don’t have such equipment, but as far as I know, nothing has been changed..

@klaas4 bring some of your water to your local fish store, im sure they will be able to test it for you. Most stores in my area will test your water for free.

<<HUGS>>

I’m amazed you got him to live that long… I’ve got horrible luck with fish I’m kinda with your parents on this one, it’s probably his time. I would check out the water if it’d make you feel better but what you’re describing makes it sound like he’s ready to go.

Hello all,

Sad to say that he died the previous night. He lasted a very long time in the situation, maybe in pain, but left after I had time to process the loss. For that, I’m very thankful. Thanks, Chico, I will always remember you. :’(

Also thanks for the support, all!

@klaas4 – sorry again. But you’re right – you had time to see what was happening and deal with the inevitable. I think everyone here offered up great answers. When my bunny passed away two and a half years ago (Autumn), the people that best understood my loss were my friends online – as they were animal/creature lovers and offered comfort that others couldn’t or didn’t know how to.

I could never keep those things alive long enough to get them out of the county fair parking lot, let alone 13 years. Feel good knowing that you let your fish live a long, happy life.

Sorry about your fishy :(