2007-06-19 06:58:50 · 12 answers · asked by wise investment 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
If any scales are sticking out from the fish then it's a sign of dropsy. It's not full of gas, it's full on bacteria infected fluid. You need to remove that fish from the tank before it dies or risk infecting all the other fish in the tank. Once badly infected and full of fluids, it's practically impossible to save the fish, but removing it will potentially save the rest of the tank.
MM
2007-06-19 07:15:42 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's a livebearer (guppy, platy, swordtail, molly, endler, etc) then it's probably just pregnant. They do get freaky big.
If it's an egglaying species, then it's a lot more likely that your fish is either constipated (which may be resolved by fasting him for two or three days, or by feeding a cooked, peeled pea -- but make sure you remove the leftovers after a couple of hours so it doesn't foul your water) OR your fish has dropsy, which is a symptom of infection usually due to poor water quality. Fish can recover from it, but odds are against it.
His best odds are if you do some extra water changes and vacuum your gravel well to ensure the best water quality possible in the tank. Don't overfeed.
2007-06-19 16:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by ceci9293 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although some fish get bloat they won't fill so full that they will blow up.
What kind of fish is it? A molly, guppy swordtail? Chances are they could be pregers.
Some goldfish can get very large when full of eggs and even scales sticking out so you are going to have to be sure before you remove her from the tank. Do you know for sure it is a female? Look to see if you can see the outline of eggs in her belly.
Also if the swim bladder is malfuncting the only good way to relieve it is by feeding them veggies and quickly. If this does not change in a day or two the only other way is to puncture the swim bladder with a needle to releve the air. (I don't recomend doing this if you have never done it before) A vet can however.
You need to be sure of the symptoms though.
2007-06-23 11:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had this problem before, and I ended up with a dead fish. If your fish is female, it might be pregnant, but it could also have a serious disease called dropsy. There are several medications for it. Try using Melafix from API or Maracyn-Two from Mardel. But don't get your hopes up. Complete recovery from dropsy is very rare.
2007-06-19 16:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by Stephen M. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all the scales are standing out its dropsey. Dropsey is fatal in all cases. Euthanise by placing fish in a zip lock bag with a little water and place in freezer.
If the scales aren't standing out then it could be a tumor. Also fatal.
Poor water quality is my guess as to why it happened.
2007-06-19 14:31:38 · answer #5 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had one that looked like that a few months ago. It seemed to be a virus and it went away after a week. He looked like he would burst, but then the swelling just went away. He's an African Cichilid.
2007-06-19 14:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by Queenie knows it all. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of fish? Are the scales sticking out like a pinecone? It could be dropsy or it could be pregnant. More info please.
2007-06-19 14:08:24 · answer #7 · answered by LuvinLife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ummm, is there any fish of the same species in the tank? then its prolly pregnant
2007-06-19 14:01:50 · answer #8 · answered by Rakonas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Odds are it's just pregnant.
2007-06-19 14:02:38 · answer #9 · answered by kj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
three words: go to vet
2007-06-19 14:09:20 · answer #10 · answered by chi chi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋