Sometimes a goldfish can jump out of the aquarium and not fall back into the water. This happens when the water is too hot (above 24 ° C) or in the event that the animal suffers from a parasitic infection that leads it to swim too fast and, consequently, to make the jump. If you find your little fish on the ground, gasping to breathe, then you need to put in place an emergency procedure to revive him, in order to guarantee him a long and happy life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Fish
Step 1. Check the fish for vital signs
Before attempting to revive him, you need to make sure he is still alive and can be saved. The signs that indicate the death of the fish are:
- The skin is dry and cracked;
- The eyes are sunken and not convex (protruding);
- The pupils are gray;
- Parts of the body are missing, such as a fin or tail.
- If the goldfish exhibits any of these symptoms, you will need to euthanize it with a less cruel treatment, such as using clove oil. However, if the animal has dry skin, but the body is intact and the eyes are bulging, there are some possibilities to revive it.
Step 2. Place the fish in a container of cold water that you took from the same aquarium
Water contains oxygen and will help him recover.
Some experts recommend returning the animal to the aquarium immediately, even if it appears very dehydrated
Step 3. Eliminate any residue from his body
Support the fish with one hand, inside the aquarium water, while with the other you remove all traces of soil. You can also just move the fish very slowly in the water to clean it.
Step 4. Use your fingers to open the gills
This operation requires a firm hand and patience. You need to open the skin flaps that cover the gills on either side of the fish's head to check their color - if they are red, there is a good chance of saving the animal.
You can also massage his abdomen to stimulate the passage of air
Part 2 of 3: Providing Oxygen-Rich Water to Fish
Step 1. Move the pet close to the air pump or air stone
Most aquariums are equipped with a special stone that allows you to regulate the temperature and oxygen level of the water. If you own this stone or the air pump, bring the fish close to it. By doing this, you provide him with more oxygen and hopefully he can recover.
If you don't have the airstone, continue massaging the baby's abdomen into the water until it begins to show signs of life. Alternatively, rush to buy a stone
Step 2. Use an air hose
Some expert aquarium enthusiasts perform more intense resuscitation maneuvers using dechlorinated water, pure oxygen cylinders and air tubes. Generally, this is done when the fish is still alive, but appears lethargic and moves little. To perform a serious cardiopulmonary resuscitation, go to the hardware store and buy:
- A porous stone;
- An air tube;
- A cylinder of pure oxygen;
- A large plastic container, large enough to hold the fish;
- A roll of cling film;
- Scotch tape;
- Plus, you need clean, chlorine-free water.
Step 3. Put the dechlorinated water in the container
It is water that contains neither chlorine nor chloramines and avoids the formation of ammonia, which could harm and kill the fish. Pour in enough water to fill half the container.
To remove chlorine from the water, you need to add a liquid additive to the tap water, which you can buy for less than 10 euros in aquarium stores. Follow the instructions on the package, to understand the right dosage based on the amount of water to be treated
Step 4. Put the fish in the container
Next, you will need to connect the airstone to the oxygen cylinder, in order to pump the gas directly into the water. Once the connection is made, place the stone in the water making sure it rests on the bottom.
Step 5. Open the cylinder valve and let the oxygen dissolve in the water
Avoid pumping too much gas into the porous stone by oxygenating the water excessively. You should only see a subtle stream of bubbles coming out of the stone itself.
- During the first five minutes, the air should escape steadily and vigorously.
- After this first phase, turn the cylinder valve to reduce the oxygen supply, while ensuring a continuous flow.
Step 6. Use cling film to seal the container
Take a large piece of cling film and wrap it around the bowl, taking care to fold it over the outer walls to create a good seal and hold the fish under oxygen-rich water.
You can better fix the film with adhesive tape
Step 7. Keep the fish in the container for at least two hours
Monitor his condition from time to time to make sure he is continually receiving oxygen from the porous stone.
After two hours, the fish should be able to breathe and swim normally
Part 3 of 3: Helping the Goldfish Recover
Step 1. Give him a salt bath
Although it is a freshwater fish, a saltwater treatment improves its overall health and helps it recover from momentary hypoxia. However, if you are already giving him medications or performing other treatments to revive him, you should only subject the fish to a salt bath before giving him any other medications or after finishing life-saving procedures.
- You can use sea salt, whole salt, aquarium salt or pure rock salt. If possible, use marine without additives, as it is rich in minerals.
- Use a clean, contaminant-free container. Take some water from the aquarium and pour it into the container (if it is safe to use) or use clean, dechlorinated water. Check that the temperature is the same as that of the aquarium or with a maximum variation of three degrees.
- Add 5 grams of salt for every 4 liters of water. Stir thoroughly to dissolve all the salt and then put the goldfish in the water.
- Keep it in the salt bath for one to three minutes at the most and keep monitoring it. If he shows signs of stress, such as bumpy movements or swims very quickly, immediately return him to the main aquarium.
Step 2. Try a garlic bath
This plant has natural detoxifying properties that can help fish cleanse themselves. Make garlic water by peeling a medium-sized head and mincing it. Afterward, transfer the garlic to boiling water and leave it to infuse for 12 hours at room temperature. When done, you can crush the wedges and strain the liquid. You can keep the water in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Use garlic water just like salt bath. Pour about 5 ml of flavored water into 40 liters of aquarium water; then, subject the fish to a cleansing garlic bath for 1-3 minutes.
- You can also make him drink fresh garlic water to prevent infections. Inject it into your mouth with a syringe or dropper. The dose is two drops per day for 7-10 days.
Step 3. Pour some chlorophyll into the aquarium
This substance is considered a medicine for goldfish because it strengthens their immune system and health. Look for pure liquid chlorophyll at pet stores. generally, it is sold in packs with droppers.
Subject the fish to a chlorophyll bath directly in the aquarium following the instructions you can read on the package. You can also supplement its gelatinous food with chlorophyll
Step 4. Use a water treatment product, such as Stress Coat
You can buy it in many pet stores and even online. This type of softener contains aloe vera, which helps stressed fish to recover and heal from tissue damage. Thanks to this additive, you contribute to the health of your recovering fish, once the resuscitation treatment is completed.
Advice
- Prevent goldfish from jumping out of the water by placing a suitable lid over the aquarium. Also, leave some margin by not filling the pond or tub to the brim.
- Partially change the water and check it regularly to ensure good quality.
