White spots on my goldfish – what are they?

There is no cause for alarm, particularly if the spots:

  • arise only during spring;
  • they are localised to the gill covers and the leading edge of the pectoral fins;
  • they are only on the male fish;
  • the fish with such spots do not show signs of ill-health.
Breeding tubercles appear as small white raised pimples on the gill covers and the leading edge of the pectoral fins of male goldfish.

If unsure, consult your fish veterinarian as it could be confused with serious diseases such as white spot disease, lymphocystis and velvet disease for example.

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