Keeping the fish out of water long enough to complete the operation was no easy task. First, Bubbles was placed in a bucket with anesthetic solution to put him under. Next, a tube was inserted into his mouth so that a steady flow of oxygenated water could be pumped over his gills.

The tumor was now ready to come off.

With all the focus and precision such a procedure requires, the steady-handed surgeon set about performing the intricate operation.

And sure enough, after a few careful snips, the tumor was removed.

We worked quickly to remove the tumor and sealed the wound with tissue glue," Rich wrote in a Facebook post  Facebook post. "Once that had set, Bubbles was placed in the recovery unit and given oxygen. He was also given injections with long-acting pain relief and antibiotics."

Here's Bubbles after the surgery, back to his old self again.

Goldfish live to nine years of age?!