Slime Coat
A goldfish has a protective slime coat that covers its entire body, scales and skin. This protective slime coat is a secreted mucoprotein that contains enzymes and antibodies that help the goldfish fight against infection, disease, parasites, and fungal pathogens. Not only does the mucoprotein keep these infections from getting inside the the goldfish, it acts as a barrier to keep in essential electrolytes that are required for osmoregulation as well as other important body fluids. Whenever there are breaks or holes in a goldfish’s protective slime coat, electrolytes and body fluids will leach out into the surrounding water.
The number one cause for a weakened protective slime coat of a goldfish is stress. A stressed out goldfish won’t secrete a healthy layer of mucoprotein, leaving itself susceptible to infection and disease. The causes of stress in a goldfish include a long list, many of which are caused by the goldfish owners actions.
Causes
Poor Water Quality
- Warm water conditions promotes bacteria growth
- Drastic and fast changes in water temperatures
- Chlorine and chloramine in the water
- High ammonia levels causing ammonia burns
- Low oxygen or high carbon dioxide
- Low or dropping of pH levels
Introducing a New Goldfish
- Acclimating a new goldfish improperly or too fast
- New goldfish might pick on or be picked on by other goldfish
- Not providing sufficient hiding places for a new goldfish
Handling a Goldfish
- Transporting or moving a goldfish is stressful on them
- Using a dry fish net that scraps the slime coat off
- Open wounds and scraps add to the stress of a goldfish
- Touching or petting a goldfish removes the slime coat
