Why has my goldfish got a swollen stomach?

Dropsy in fish is actually a cluster of symptoms caused by an infection from bacteria commonly present in all aquariums. Consequently, any fish may be exposed to the dropsy-causing bacteria, but healthy fish rarely fall prey to the disease.

What does it mean if my goldfish is sitting at the bottom of the tank?

Usually goldfish sit at the bottom of the tank due to not feeling well for some reason. Improper water conditions, parasites, stress, GI problems, and swim bladder problems can all cause a fish to sit at the bottom of the tank.

What does it mean when fish stay at the top?

A fish may linger near the surface because he’s trying to breathe more easily. Remember, fish breathe dissolved oxygen—not oxygen that is already combined in the H2O molecule. Naturally, these dissolved oxygen levels tend to be higher near the surface, where interaction between air and water takes place.

How do you fix bloat in fish?

Supplement the use of antibiotics with the addition of Epsom salt at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 to 10 gallons and by raising the temperature to 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Malawi bloat is usually treated with metronidazole. If the fish is still feeding, metronidazole-dosed foods can be used.

How long can a goldfish live with dropsy?

As often as not, the fish will live or die irrespective of drug treatment. Most often a fish with dropsy dies. Perhaps not immediately, but within several months. Indeed, in instances where dropsy is caused by internal infections, the bloating will disappear for a time, only to return a bit later with a vengeance.

How do you cure fish dropsy?

Treatment. Dropsy is not easily cured. Treatment is geared toward correcting the underlying problem and providing supportive care to the sick fish. A broad spectrum antibiotic specifically formulated for gram-negative bacteria is recommended, like Mardel Maracyn® 2.

Is it normal for goldfish to stay still?

When a goldfish is stressed, he will sometimes just hang there in the water, unwilling to move. Sometimes this condition is apparent, as the fish is hanging out on the bottom of the bowl a lot. Conditions that can cause this are poor water quality, lack of air, poor nutrition and loud noises.

Is bloat in fish contagious?

First, dropsy is not contagious. However, if one fish does become affected, other fish in the same fish aquarium — particularly those of the same species — could also be at risk.