Signs Of Infection

Sunken eyes and a characteristic pine cone appearance caused by the scales sticking out from a swollen body.

Fish Affected

All tropical aquarium fish can be affected particularly gouramis and Live-bearers.

Details Of Infection

Dropsy or Ascites as it is scientifically known is caused by a bacterial infection usually brought about by environmental factors.

Due to damaged heart and blood vessels, the body swells as fluid builds up in the abdomen and behind the eyes. This causes the scales to protrude like a pine cone. Sometimes scales will fall away and ulcers may appear.

Treatment

Commercial treatments are available and can be successful if used early. In my experience, by the time the disease is diagnosed, too much damage has been done to the internal organs of the fish for it to be saved. Unfortunately the most humane solution is often disposal of the fish.

A preventative course of medication is often wise as other fish may be infected but may not yet show signs of the disease. In any case, address any poor water quality or filter maintenance issues.

Dead fish should be removed from the aquarium quickly to prevent transmission of the infection via cannibalism.