He appears dried out and his skin is cracked. His eyes are concave (bulging inward) instead of convex (bulging outward). He has gray pupils. He is missing body parts, like a fin or a tail. If your goldfish displays any of these symptoms, you may need to euthanize your fish using a humane treatment like clove oil. However, if your fish looks dried out but he does not have any missing body parts or concave eyes, you may still be able to revive him. [3] X Research source
Some experts also suggest placing your goldfish right back into the water in his tank, even if he appears dried out. [5] X Research source
You can also try giving your fish’s underbelly a massage to stimulate air flow. [7] X Research source
If you do not have access to an air stone, you can continue to massage the fish’s underbelly in the tank water until he starts to revive, or go purchase an air stone for the fish. [10] X Research source
An air stone. An air pipe. A pure oxygen container. A large plastic container, big enough for your fish. Plastic cling wrap. Adhesive tape. You will also need access to clean, de-chlorinated water.
To de-chlorinate water, you will need to add a chemical additive called dechlorinator into the tap water. You can buy dechlorinator for under $10 at your local pet store. Follow the instructions on the label to determine how many drops of dechlorinator you will need to add to a certain amount of water. [11] X Research source
During the first five minutes, the air should come out strong and steady into the water. After five minutes, turn the oxygen valve down so the air comes out softer and not as strong, but still steady.
You can seal the cling wrap further using a strip of adhesive tape.
After two hours, your fish should start to breathe and swim around normally.
Sea salt, kosher salt, aquarium salt and pure Morton’s rock salt are all recommended for use. If possible, use natural sea salt with no additives, as it is high in minerals. Use a container that is clean and free of any contaminants. Add tank water to the container, as long as the tank water is safe to use, or add fresh water that has been de-chlorinated. Ensure the water temperature in the container is the same as the temperature of the water in the tank, or within three degrees of the same temperature. Add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Mix the salt into the water to ensure all the granules have dissolved and then place your fish in the container of salt water. Keep your fish in the salt water for one to three minutes, and observe your fish during the salt bath. If your fish displays any signs of stress, like rapid swimming or jerky movements, move your fish back into his main tank.
Use the garlic water the same way you would use salt in a salt bath. Use about 1 teaspoon garlic water per 10 gallons (37. 9 L) of tank water. Then, give your fish a purifying garlic bath for one to three minutes. You can also give your fish garlic water to help prevent infection. Apply it to your fish’s mouth using a syringe or an eye dropper, two drops a day for 7-10 days.
Give your goldfish a chlorophyll bath in his tank, following the instructions on the bottle. You can also give your goldfish chlorophyll by adding it to his gel food.
