Fish Disease Diagnosis
Fish Disease Treatments
Ponds, Aquaria & Filtration



My goldfish is developing black patches on its face and fins. What's this all about? I had bad water last week.

Another person: I recently went on vacation and left my goldfish with a 7 day feeder block in a 10 gallon tank with the fliter and air stones running. When I came back, my fan tail goldfish had mysteriously changed from clear to dark, almost black. My other goldfish are fine, just this one! Should I be concerned about my little fish friend?

Thank You!


This is a melanophore migration. It's caused by damage to the epidermis, which as it heals, begins to appear black in color.

It should be differentiated from Shimi (Look it up!)

The second case listed above is especially interesting. Remember, the blackening doesn't occur until the insult to the skin has been removed. Then healing can start and you may see the blackening. IN this second case, it's likely that when this person is home, the fish are over fed, and Ammonia is a chronic irritant to the skin. When she goes away, a feeder block is used which normally delivers a piteous amount of food. With the system "under fed" the the owner's absence the Ammonia is reduced and the fish starts to heal.

"Koi Health & Disease" by Dr. Erik Johnson DVM is 200+ pages from Fish Health Practice - Readable by Beginners and delivered overnight from Amazon.com

Fish disease problems? Need some help? The help pages take you through the basics of the 'fish health work-up' diagnosis method and basic fish disease treatment methods.

90% of all health problems and fish deaths are caused by poor fish keeping! The key pages are essential reading for all beginners and intermediates who are serious about disease prevention.

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