Have a fish that become extremely bulbous? What causes this and is there a treatment for them?

As responsible fish owners, we always want to make sure our fish are cared for. If something just doesn’t look right, then it probably isn’t. So when your fish start to inflate, and I’m going to assume that you aren’t the proud owner of a pufferfish, it’s enough to cause alarm. This condition occurs in all kinds of freshwater fish species, but what exactly is it? 

Fish Dropsy: What is it? 

When we talk about inflated or bulbous fish, Dropsy immediately comes to mind. It is a disease that affects freshwater fish in ponds and aquariums alike. Dropsy is caused by a common bacteria in the water, Aeromonas, that infect fish with compromised immune systems. Most fish are already in constant contact with these bacteria and go about their lives without any harm done. But if a fish is under stress, like from poor water quality, inadequate nutrition, or poor living conditions, then they are more likely to become infected. 

Dropsy Symptoms

Dropsy causes your fish to swell up huge and look almost like a pinecone. This is because once infected; fluids will begin filling the abdominal cavity in your fish. Besides inflation, other changes in your fish may include:

  • Bulging eyes
  • A curved spine
  • Pale gills
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Lethargy
  • And continually gasping for air at the surface of the water

Treating Dropsy

While not usually contagious, it is still a sign that something is wrong with your pond’s ecosystem. If the problem is not taken care of, more of your fish could succumb to Dropsy if they haven’t already. I recommend checking your water quality with a water testing kit. The PondCare Pond Master Liquid Test Kit is a perfect solution that contains everything you need for a thorough test of your water. If left unchecked, the stress from poor water quality can cause congenital heart, kidney failure, or an internal bacterial infection like Dropsy.

To treat your fish that has contracted Dropsy, I recommend you isolate it to keep a better eye on it while you administer an antibacterial medication. This is the quickest method of treatment, but will still take some time.

Prevent Dropsy

Sometimes, treating your fish won’t cure it. That is why it is extra important to take steps to prevent Dropsy from occurring in the first place. Remember to make sure: 

  • You always check your water conditions to ensure a healthy quality
  • Make sure your fish are fed a healthy diet
  • Remember only to feed your fish in water above 42ºf and don’t overfeed them
  • If you need to transport your fish, do so correctly
  • Try to limit sudden changes in water temperature
  • Try to separate fish that are aggressive from your other fish

This doesn’t answer your question? email us at faq@azponds.com

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