What other fish are in with it?
How big is the tank?
How warm is the water?
How long have you had the fish?
Goldfish (this is just a goldfish variety - so it's an egg scatterer and can't get 'pregnant' (it can become 'gravid' though)).
Goldfish grow extremely quickly when in good conditions (hence my initial questions) so it could just be normal growth. Hopefuly you are aware of their large tank requirements and potential size.
Having said that, bloating/constipation, as was mentioned, may be an issue but a varied diet like the one you seem to be providing is usualy very healthy and shouldn't cause trouble.
Internal bacterial infections are another matter (which is why you were asked about the scales sticking out like a pinecone). I'd like to further ask whether the fish has lost its appetite at all (unlikely with goldfish
), how is it swimming, does it have red streaks on its body or fins and does it have white/red/black edges to fins?
BTW, how big is this goldfish? Small goldfish often have growth spurt. Also, it's possible to sex adult goldfish visualy as males will develop little 'tubercles' on the gill cover when in breeding condition. It's difficult to tell without practice and they may not be in breeding condiition but, if you at least try, if the fish is male, you can rest assured it's not gravid
I found this site that nicely illustrates what to look for in male goldfish:
http
/www.fishpondinfo.com/gfish3.htm
BTW, you may want to post in teh coldwater section
Can any one tell us how the Shubunkin breeds - bubble/egg/live etc.
)
My fish did swell up during that time but thats ok because threres no harm done. They start laying around 3-4 years of age and carry on but im not sure if they contuine to lay egg over years orw whteter they stop after that occation. Mine starts changing spots over seasons and shes quite spotty during spring and winter but losees hers when shes in summer - hope this had been useful!!!
