Can Goldfish Regrow Scales? The Most Common Causes You Need to Know

Is it common to find your goldfish missing a few scales every now and then? Well, to be honest, I don’t know whether it’s common or not. But what I do know is that it’s not a good sign. There is a reason behind it. And, as a caring and loving pet owner, it’s your job to figure out why this is happening. But can goldfish regrow scales back again?

It’s time to get to the bottom of the problem. So here’s everything you need to know about it!

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Can Goldfish Regrow Scales

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The answer, fortunately, is YES. The fish can develop scales that have detached back again. It could have happened because of infection or nipping. The thing about scale loss is that it occurs due to many reasons. And I’ll get into those in detail later in this article.

One thing you should know right away is this. That as long as there’s clean aquarium water. And as long as your precious little goldfish has enough spots to hide from his/her fellow inmates. Then the possibility of scale loss because of nipping reduces to a large extent.

Goldfish scales turning white, off-colored, or slightly paler is normal at such times. So there’s no need to worry so much about it. Just keep in mind that your fish has the ability to regrow those scales back again. Even so, it’s crucial for you to understand why the scales are falling off in the first place. And create an environment that prevents this from happening again.

Does Goldfish Shed Scales?

I mean is shedding scales a part of growing older? No, not necessarily. Goldfish are not like other creatures or animals that lose skin or fur as they grow. This means goldfish only shed scales when there’s a problem.

So if you’re noticing your fish without scales, then please note that it’s not normal. And that you should be taking certain measures to prevent it from happening again. But you can only prevent it when you know why it’s happening. Hence, the next section is the most useful.

Can Goldfish Regrow Scales, But Why Are They Shedding Scales, to Begin with? – 5 Possible Causes

1. Unhealthy or Wrong Diet

Consider the possibility that maybe you’re not feeding your goldfish the right kind of food. An improper diet can certainly cause the loss of scales. So make it a point to incorporate good, healthy food sources. That not only boost their overall well-being. But also encourage the growth of bright and beautiful scales.

Speaking of which, avoid food that’s corn-based. As this lacks in terms of nutrition. After all, it’s your responsibility to check the ingredients of the food you purchase from the local pet store.

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2. Goldfish Are Attacking Each Other

Have you ever taken a close look at how your fish are carrying themselves in the tank? How they behave with each other is important, no matter what the circumstance. If they’re pecking at or attacking one another. Then it’s only logical that the scales are falling off.

So what’s the remedy to this? In simple words, a big tank. Because the thing about goldfish is that they demand their own room or space. Therefore, if even a single one feels smothered. Then slightly aggressive behavior toward the others is only inevitable.

Also, it’s important for you to create a setting inside the aquarium that offers goldfish enough spots to hide. Think of this as your fish’s safe place. So the one being bullied or attacked can hide there. Thus, preventing the scales from getting pecked at.

3. Sick Goldfish

When talking about illness, what comes to mind first is a bacterial infection. Because this is the most cause of scale loss in goldfish. The majority of goldfish diseases, in this case, are associated with symptoms like a cotton-resembling appearance.

So you have to understand that this probably happening because of poor tank conditions. Changing the aquarium water regularly is an ideal solution. Nevertheless, if the problem still persists. Then use the test kit. For determining if the nitrate, nitrite, pH balance, and ammonia levels are in check. As these major factors also contribute to causing illness.

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4. Rough Handling

Are you handling your pet fish too roughly? At times when you’re changing the water. Or when you’re removing the fish from the tank. If yes or if you don’t know, then keep in mind next time to handle your delicate little creature gently.

5. Sharp Edges of Aquarium Decorations

It’s only inevitable for goldfish to damage their scales if they’re constantly bumping into rough or hard objects. Now it’s not very likely that fish tank decorations have sharp edges. Even so, it’s your job to make sure you don’t pick ones that do. The surface of these decorations should be soft and safe. So your goldfish can slide by easily without damaging their scales.

Can Goldfish Regrow Scales – How Long Does That Take?

Typically speaking, anywhere between 1 and 2 months. But naturally, this differs based on how much damage is caused. As long as you’re feeding your fish a healthy, proper diet. Along with keeping the aquarium clean. And observing the behavior of your goldfish closely. The regrowth takes place within 1-2 months.

The color of the scales after regrowth may be different. In the sense, it could be completely clear or slightly paler. And that’s normal.

Conclusion

So now you know that your goldfish shedding scales isn’t a natural process of growing older. So if it happens, then you should take certain measures to avoid it. More often than not, the cause is a poor tank condition. That leads to infection or illness.

Also, make sure your goldfish aren’t pecking at or attacking each other. So get a bigger-sized tank. And decorations for your goldfish to hide inside. But these decorations should not have rough or sharp edges.