There is one goldfish about 4.5" long which hovers four or five yards from the main little school. I have noticed this several times. The mass of goldfish have their favorite setting in a shallow area with brush hanging nearby. This one is farther down close to bank also. Why would it be alone? Is it ostracised? It certainly is not a new fish. I find it slightly upsetting, being there all alone every time- nothing I can do about it though.
usual goldfish behavior?
I used to have 2 goldfish that were loners like that. One I named Ted Kaczinsky, and he eventually started to have normal social behavior and is perfectly healthy, hanging out with the other goldfish. The other one, Gump, eventually died for unknown reasons. So I'm not much help, but sometimes it seems like the behavior can be a sign of nothing, other times it can mean somethings wrong. Maybe someone knows why?
Has it always been a loner? If this is not a new fish but a new behavior for it, it could be coming down with something. Generally, a change in socializing is not a good sign. Some fish are loners, so don't get too concerned, only if it is a change lately with it.
DC
The pond is new to me; I don't know if this is unusual behavior or not.
Is he keeping his fins close to his side? Sometimes in the spring, fish can get parasites that can make them go off on their own.