Why is my goldfish's mouth stuck shut? He won't eat or move.

eIf you can, look in the mouth for foreign bodies (gravel, food, etc), tumor or any redness, swelling or discharge. You should also check water chemistry. If ammonia or nitrites are elevated, perform daily partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Goldfish do best in cooler waters, between 65F and 72F. Trauma is also a possibility. A fractured or dislocated jaw can be the result of hitting the glass or tank furniture or from bullying. Swelling from infection is also a possibility. Monitor for redness, bruising, lethargy or loss of appetite. A broad spectrum antibiotic can be used if necessary. Find one, such as maracyn or kanaplex, in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. Maintaining adequate water quality and parameters will aid in any healing. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, aid in recovery and may help treat minor infection. Dissolve 1 teaspoon per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days. When performing water changes, treat only the amount of water being replaced with salt, not the entire tank volume.

Thanks for your question about Bubbles, and I’m sorry that this is happening to both of you. I was unable to get the photo to zoom in enough to see what is occurring in the mouth, but I would suggest having him evaluated by a veterinarian. Fish can get foreign materials stuck in their moths (items such as rocks or other materials), and can also get growths in them. A veterinarian can evaluate for both of these, and take action to correct it. Depending on what they find, it may be a simple fix, or he may need a surgical procedure potentially. You can find fish bets in your area using the AAFV website. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Check the water chemistry and quality first. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize and improve water chemistry. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. For goldfish, a range of 65F to 72F is recommended. Check the filter and rinse the sponge with tank water, not tap water, to spare beneficial bacterial populations and to maintain water quality. The tank may not be large enough to support 5 goldfish. Generally, 20 gallons should be allowed for the first goldfish then a 10 additional gallons should be provided for each additional goldfish. This is due to the larger than average bio load (wastes) they produce. Consider a larger tank or decrease the number of fish in one tank. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank and add an airstone and pump for increased oxygenation. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Can be used as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, aid in any recovery and may treat or prevent minor infection. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days. When performing water changes, add salt only to the amount of water being replaced, not the entire tank volume.

Thanks for reaching out about your cichlid and including photos. This is probably not an abscess that can be treated with simple antibiotics. A tumor or possibly a fractured mandible bone causing inflammation. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess, possibly requiring radiographs. If it can not open the mouth and can't eat, then it will starve. Check and correct water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Pristine water quality will be needed to assist in recovery. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Rhino. An infection is likely, but first check water quality parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any abnormalities. Infections around the mouth can be caused by multiple bacteria, but Edwardiella caused a disease called enteric red mouth. Laying on the bottom probably indicates the infection has spread to the swim bladder, causing it to fill with pus or fluid. Systemic antibiotics are needed. Antibiotics added to the water will probably do nothing. A veterinary visit is recommended to help with diagnosis and a treatment plan. Good luck.

It's possible your turtle may be injured or ill. If he is unable to open his mouth at all, seems in distress or has other signs of illness, seeking help from a local exotics vet is best to help get Donny feeling better.

I'm very sorry to hear Frankie is having some difficulty. Frankie absolutely needs to be seen by a veterinarian for evaluation. His inability to open his mouth could be related to trauma that occurred during the seizure (i.e. Dislocation of the TMJ joint, etc) although this usually results in the animal stuck with the mouth open. There are also muscle diseases that can cause the same issue; however this is not common in cats. I would also highly recommend Frankie be evaluated, if he has not already, for his seizures. Hopefully this was helpful information and Frankie feels better soon.