I have a 55 gallon indoor aquarium that has several cory catfish and three large shabunkins that have been happily living in this tank for the last four or five years. I looks like I may have male and female fish. One of them has easily identifiable bumps on his gill plates and another has gotten really fat in the last few weeks. She looks like the goodyear blimp and is "squishy" when I touch her. I have done a major water change since that seems to induce spawning in outdoor fish. Is there anything else I can do. I do not want her to die. Appetite seems to be good and she is acting like she is feeling ok.
Need Help - Indoor Shabunkin Eggbound??
I would not do anything just yet....Occasionally, when the water gets too warm, they will not spawn either. I would start by checking your water temps. If they fall within normal range, and you know that the fish does not have any type of internal parasites(worms) then just leave her. Make sure if you see any bloating of the eyes, or popping of the scales, you look for disease instead of eggs. Unless she looks weak or definitely sick, I'd let nature take its course. Goldfish varieties usually have very few issues with spawning when ready.
A big water change will often trigger a spawn.
I have been looking very carefully for signs of parisites or disease. They have never been outside and no new fish so do not think there would be parasites. No popeye or loose scales. Appetite and behaviour are good. The water temp never varies that much. I would think if they were going to spawn it would have happened by now since I have had them for so long. This has never occured before. Cannot get an accurate size measurement as they swim too fast but they are about 8-10" long give or take.