Dropsy
Swelling of the abdomen causing scales to protrude outward like a pinecone. Often caused by internal bacterial infection, kidney failure, or organ damage. Difficult to treat and often fatal.
Check these symptoms in your tankSymptoms of Dropsy
- Swollen/bloated abdomen
- Scales sticking out like a pinecone
- Lethargic / hiding more than usual
- Refusing to eat
- Sitting on bottom abnormally
How to treat Dropsy
- Isolate fish in hospital tank immediately to reduce infection spread
- Epsom salt baths (1 tbsp/gallon) to reduce swelling
- Kanamycin sulfate + metronidazole: most effective treatment combo
- API General Cure or Furan-2 as alternatives
- Prognosis is poor if scales are fully raised, consider quality of life
How to prevent it
- Excellent water quality is the best prevention
- Feed high-quality varied diet including fresh/frozen foods
- Minimize sudden parameter changes
Conditions with similar symptoms
Bacterial (and sometimes fungal) infection affecting fins and tail. Usually secondary to stress or poor water quality. Fins appear to disintegrate from the edges.
Fluffy white or gray cotton-like patches on body, fins, or around mouth. Often secondary to wounds, fin rot, or poor water quality.
Bacterial infection causing fluid buildup behind the eye, making it protrude. Usually affects one eye. Bilateral pop-eye is more serious and often indicates an internal systemic infection.
Not sure? Use the symptom checker
Many fish diseases look alike. Pick the symptoms you see in the free fish disease checker to compare likely causes, or scan a test strip to rule out a water problem first.