Do you notice that your goldfish turns white? Is it something to worry about? Seeing your goldfish turning white may be an alarm, however, it is not always an immediate cause for concern.
Some of you may think that goldfish is naturally gold coloured in the wild, however, most of them are not. Thus, colour changes in goldfish are more common than you think. One of the most common colour changes for goldfish is turning white.
When you pet some goldfish, make sure you also know these following causes of sudden goldfish death.
However, if your fish suddenly turns white without any clear possibility, then it may be related to health issues.
That’s why there are several reasons why this condition could happen. As an owner, you need to be prepared of these 6 potential causes of your goldfish turning white.
- Lack of Sunlight
Goldfish which are kept outdoors have the most vibrant colour, unlike the one which are kept inside. It is all because of the sun.
Some owners try to compensate with artificial lighting with full spectrum LED lighting. However, the effect won’t be the same.
That’s why many goldfish owners sunbathe their fish in sunny weather so that they can experience the benefits of real sunlight. As a result, the blacks become more intense, and the oranges appear to be more red.
However, when you put your fish under the sun, make sure to avoid overheating your fish. Aerate the container and check the temperature by using a thermometer. Just do the “sunbathing” occasionally.
- Lack of Oxygen in the Water
Lack of oxygen is one of the causes that requires immediate action. Goldfish tend to take on a translucent white colour when the water lacks of oxygen.
Goldfish should have a tank with 8.3 PPM of dissolved oxygen. They can tolerate levels as low as 5.0 PPM. So, when they start turning white, then it gives you an alarm that the oxygen level in the water is very bad. Make sure to always test the water.
Goldfish which experience low oxygen level in the water may also show some strange behaviors such as lethargic and struggling to breathe.
Make sure you also know all these causes of cloudy water in aquarium and find ways to prevent them.
- Genetics
Some goldfish are naturally turning white as they get older. It all comes down to genetics. Goldfish are types of carp so their natural colour in the wild is close to olive green than gold. Gold colour was actually created through several breeding.
- Diet
The right diet for goldfish will be able to promote vibrant colouration in goldfish. Some ingredients, such as algae Spirulina, is beneficial to enhance the red pigments in goldfish.
The easiest way to ensure that your fish is getting all the best nutrients is to pick up some high-quality dry food. They are specifically manufactured to improve colour vibrancy. Goldfish also need to be fed by these nutrients your fish will need to stay healthy.
- Illness
The next possible cause of goldfish turning white is due to illness. It can be a product of disease. Goldfish may turn pale and white when they suffer from illness. There is no specific ailment that can cause the colour changes directly, however, it is simply a symptom coming with any disease.
If you suspect the colour changing as the symptom of illness, then you may see other following symptoms, such as difficulty in swimming or lethargy and weakness.
- Aging
When the fish is getting older, it may change its colour, even to white. Many multi-coloured fish tend to evolve a bit during their first few years of life. It may also happen to solid-coloured fish too. It all depends on their parents.
There are some ways you can do to determine if aging is the factor, such as monitor the rate of change. Many goldfish turn white slowly during the first years of life as they grow in size. As long as the process of turning white doesn’t occur suddenly, then it is likely to be the sign of growing up.
After seeing all the possible causes of colour change in goldfish, one thing you should keep in mind. You should keep an eye for your goldfish. It is whether about the quality of water, diet, their rate of colour changing and everything.
Be attentive to their changes and you will be able to prevent anything bad happening to them. Make sure you also know the other issues related to goldfish, such as signs your goldfish is stressed and common diseases of goldfish.