Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My goldfish has an orange stomach. Is she pregnant? How to care?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Female

My Goldfish bubbles had a orange stomach I was wondering if she was pregnant if she is please tell me how to look after her and why she has a orange stomach please it's scary that she could be sick and there is two male goldfish with her

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 10th, 2018

You need only provide plenty of space, clean water and a quality flake or pelleted diet. Male goldfish will develop white dots on the fins and gills when ready to mate. He (they) may chase her around and bump her stomach to get her to spawn (lay eggs). When she is ready, she will seek out planted or quiet area of the tank and spawn. The males will then release sperm to fertilize the eggs.
The eggs will need to be removed to a separate tank to prevent them from being eaten by the adults. The eggs will need to be kept at a certain temperature and in clean water until they hatch within a week's time. Afterwards, you will have MANY fish to care for and feed. This can quickly become an overwhelming task and should not be undertaken without serious forethought.
You can read more about goldfish breeding here: http://thegoldfishtank.com/goldfish-care/breeding/goldfish-breeding-breed-goldfish/
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 9th, 2018

    While Bubbles could be pregnant, most gold fish will not breed within a normal tank setting. Some goldfish will breed in a very very large tank or a pond but even then, they often won't. At this point, I would not change anything about the tank or Bubble's living space. If you do happen to see baby goldfish, then you can either start a nursery tank (I would recommend to get a book about goldfish breeding prior to setting one up) or put in lots of plants, rocks and other items which will offer hiding spaces for the babies. The baby fish will eat the normal fish food. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My goldfish has an orange belly. Is she pregnant or something else?
Not necessarily unfortunately. Abdominal infections, skin oedema, overinflated swimbladder can be common differentials. A check up is required to understand underlying condition and treat appropriately (if treatment is needed). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My goldfish is swollen. Is she pregnant? How long do they carry eggs?
Thanks for reaching out and including photos. Coeloms (abdomens) are swollen, but unable to determine if eggs. Often when it is time to spawn, the vent becomes slightly everted. An ultrasound would be the only way to truly determine if eggs are in the abdomen. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My betta fish looks pregnant. What should I do about breeding or eggs?
Beta fish lay eggs and she would need a male to then fertilize those eggs after she lays them. Breeding betas can be very work intensive. Here is a link with great information: fishkeepingworld.com/breeding-betta-fish/ As the babies get bigger, they can graduate to larger food. The babies will mature and need to be separated around 3 months of age. The females can stay together but all the males will need to be separated. Breeding betas requires a lot of tanks/space. I recommend to connect with a local aquarium store and find out if anyone has first hand knowledge. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why does my glofish have bulges? Could it be pregnant or sick?
Thanks for reaching out about your glowfish. Being gravid can produce distensions on both sides but so can coelomic fluid, an organ enlargement (liver, kidney), constipation and other problems. If having difficulty swimming, eating or isolating self, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My female Betta looks fat. Is she pregnant or ready to lay eggs?
She appears to have eggs given her girth. There are also some vertical bars on her side that indicate she may be ready to spawn. If possible, check underneath for a pronounced white dot. This is further proof that she is ready to spawn.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Is my orange fish a goldfish or molly, and what's this egg-like thing?
Mollies do come in gold or orange colorations, but it is difficult to determine from that angle. If you can repost a broadside picture in a new question, that may make identification easier. If it is an egg laying species of fish, the third image could be an egg but I have reservations saying definitively without something for scale. It looks too large to be an egg. As an aside, if you leave the Molly fry in with adults, they will likely be eaten. You can separate the out, remove the adults, use a breeder screen or provide plenty of cover for them.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My guppy looks big. Is she pregnant? What are the signs to look for?
A female guppy will develop what is known as a "gravid spot" when pregnant. It is triangular and located near the vent on the abdomen under the tail. It will get bigger and darker as she nears spawning. If she was skinny when you got her and she is that big now, she is pregnant. They are live bearers, so the fry (baby fish) will need cover (places to hide) or they will be eaten. It is best to separate them into grow out tanks.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Fish SuppliesFish Breeding SuppliesFish Health & WellnessGoldfish & KoiFish FoodFish Parasite TreatmentLive GloFishBetta Fish Health & WellnessPlatiesAquarium Water CareGuppiesPufferfishSwordtailsFoxface & RabbitfishLive Fish FoodFreshwater AngelfishBetta Fish ShopAlgae Eating FishFreshwater Fish FoodAquarium Equipment
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button