Dropsy?

[shelbidavis]

Does my gourami have dropsy? No raised pinecone scales. Just huge belly and not moving very much at all. Just got him about four days ago. I think he might still be in shock for my lack of getting him use to the water.. all my fish are fine, just this one has a big belly. I think he had it when I got him but not 100% sure.



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[Bichir Bro]

Does my gourami have dropsy? No raised pinecone scales. Just huge belly and not moving very much at all. Just got him about four days ago. I think he might still be in shock for my lack of getting him use to the water.. all my fish are fine, just this one has a big belly. I think he had it when I got him but not 100% sure. View attachment 252974View attachment 252975



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I'm not an expert on fish diseases but to me it just looks like he's really overweight. Try posting this is in the unhealthy fish section or ask a mod to move it there.


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[Mebbid]

Not dropsy, but he's really bloated. Try feeding him cooked peeled peas for a week or so and see how he does.

 

[shelbidavis]

I forgot to mention he's not eating either but I will try my best with the peas thank you


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[Mebbid]

Well in that case 1 to 3 tablespoons of epsom salt in the aquarium water per 5 gallons can help.

Or my LFS suggested one time a drop of mineral oil right down the fishes gullet. He has been taking care of cichlids that are prone to bloat for the past 40 years so it's a recommendation that I would generally trust.

 

[shelbidavis]

I should put him in another tank away from my other fish shouldn't i? I have a ten gallon but a betta is in there and I have a fish bowl which I don't like puttin fish in thats small. Are you saying put the Epsom salt in my big tank with all the other fish too?


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[Mebbid]

It doesnt really matter. Epsom salt is a mild laxative. Completely harmless to everything.

 

[shelbidavis]

Oh perfect! Ok I will just put it in the big tank. Thanks!


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[absolutangel04]

I agree that it looks like bloat. DG are rather prone to it. One note, I would personally avoid an oil based treatment on a labyrinth fish unless it was a last resort. Oils can inhibit gas exchange, and labyrinth fish can be extra sensitive to that sometimes. I would do Epsom salt. Sometimes they are more inclined to take the peas after a day or 2 of fasting too. Let us know how it goes!

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[shelbidavis]

Ok great, thanks guys! I will let you know. Epsom salt I can just get at a pet store or a grocery store? Aquarium salt at the pet store is the same I'm assuming


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[Mebbid]

Ok great, thanks guys! I will let you know. Epsom salt I can just get at a pet store or a grocery store? Aquarium salt at the pet store is the same I'm assuming


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Nope, not at all. Epsom salt is bought at pharmacies and is composed of magnesium sulfate (no actual salt in it)

Aquarium salt is actual salt.

 

[shelbidavis]

Will it be like in the pharmacy section at like walmart? I have no idea how to get that.


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[Mebbid]

Will it be like in the pharmacy section at like walmart? I have no idea how to get that.


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I buy mine at rite aid but yeah, wal mart will have it too. It usually comes in bags and is pretty common. Just ask where they keep it.

 

[shelbidavis]

Actually I think I have some!! How much for a 46 gallon? I'm afraid to put it in my tank ?


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[Mebbid]

1 to 3 tablespoons per 5 gallons. Theres no reason to be worried, its really nothing but a magnesium supplement. Its completely safe

 

[trennamw]

For reference, people drink Epsom salt in water for the same purpose. It's magnesium, basically. It's used in baths for soreness because magnesium is a nice muscle relaxant. Might even relieve a little fishie stress!


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[shelbidavis]

Guys I think it really has dropsy he has pinecone scales. I was giving him a Epsom salt bath and his scales are protruding out


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[alyxandria]

It does look like dropsy in the last picture posted. How is he?


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[shelbidavis]

I don't have a good hospital tank so petsmart said they would put him in their hospital tank and let him finish his life there. I kind of want to go check if he is still living.


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[alyxandria]

I'm sorry There's no harm in going to check. It would keep you from wondering. You could always call to see.


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