ruffled scales?

[freshwaterashley]

My female platy gave birth to about 30 fry a few days ago and she has been the same since.. not just that she is skinnier, but her scales seem to be standing like a bad hairday... should i be worried? Is this some kind of sickness and should i remove her from the tank?

 

[Crazy4fish]

A picture would be nice to see. From your description is sounds like your platy is pineconing. Unfortunately that is a sign of dropsy and there is no cure for that I am so sorry!!

 

[mollymom]

Oh my! Yes, that is a sign of Dropsy...Yes, a pic would be helpful..

 

[freshwaterashley]

I cant get a good picture because she keeps hiding.. but could the babies have something wrong with them too?

 

[freshwaterashley]

Its on the top of her head.. she is swimming around all lethargically now that i moved her from the main tank... can it spread to my other fish?

 

[Crazy4fish]

The good thing is that dropsy isn't contagious, I do not think you will have to worry about her babies just keep clean water and keep an eye on them.

 

[freshwaterashley]

So she is definitely going to die from this and there is nothing i can do for her?

 

[Crazy4fish]

If it is in fact dropsy I'm sorry it's pretty sure she won't make it. I myself am a very hopeful person so I know I would keep her and make her as comfortable as possible and hope she makes it. But I would prepare for the worst sorry!

 

[freshwaterashley]

How long do you think it will take to claim her? Ive only had her for 2 weeks

 

[freshwaterashley]

I guess its not so bad.. at least i got some beautiful healthy fry from her... but i just hate to see them suffer

 

[Crazy4fish]

I would say about a week, maybe a little longer. Im sorry you haven't had a lot of time with her

 

[shellieca]

Dropsy is usually the end result of something else. It is possible for them to recover if caught early but typically it re-occurs within 6 months & is usually fatal then. Sorry you have a fish suffering from it. When I've had one with it & it's really pineconing I usually euthanize rather than let the fish suffer.

 

[freshwaterashley]

Dropsy is usually the end result of something else. It is possible for them to recover if caught early but typically it re-occurs within 6 months & is usually fatal then. Sorry you have a fish suffering from it. When I've had one with it & it's really pineconing I usually euthanize rather than let the fish suffer.

Euthanize how?

 

[shellieca]

There's a stickie on euthanasia on the freshwater unhealthy fish section, I don't know if my link will work:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f17/

I've used the temp shock method, if done correctly its quick, a few seconds.

 

[freshwaterashley]

Ok i looked it up and yes your link worked... i just dont feel comfortable doing any of those which way do you usually do it?

 

[shellieca]

It is a tough decision to make & unfortunately something most of us will do at some point in this hobby. I use the temperature shock method, IME, it takes just seconds. I take a plastic cup, put ice in it, fill half way with refrigerated water, put into the freezer to make it even colder & slightly slushy. I take my dying fish in my hand put him/her in the cup under the ice then put the cup back into the freezer for a while. Then dispose of how you want. Whichever way you choose be as comfortable as you can with your decision because you're doing it in the best interest of your fish.

 

[freshwaterashley]

She actuall died on her own the next day but thanks so much for pointing that link to my attention. In the future i will definitely be looking that up again