Fish Looks Like It's About To Pop

Hi guys,

Not sure of the exact type of fish, but here's the story: I originally had four of these, but the other 3 died months ago. The last one probably 6 months ago or more. Anyway, I noticed lately the one I have left looks like it's about to pop. A friend suggested it is perhaps full of eggs? It's in a community tank and it, and everything else in the tank are all healthy. It's just looking really engorged. Any ideas? It does appear to be breathing fast. The pictures don't do it justice. The fish is very engorged. Interestingly, it doesn't look like bloating. It sort of looks obese. Thanks!

I'm not sure what fish that is, but it seems to be tattooed (if that is a heart, I'm seeing). Either way, it has a severe case of dropsy which is usually fatal. Dropsy is typically a secondary infection, a symptom of renal failure. It's usually associated with water quality so I would definitely get a water test done as soon as possible and do a large water change. There is not much you can do for this fish, but some people report fair success with epsom salt baths.

It does look pineconed, are the scales sticking out when you view it from above?
 
I think it may be a longfin rosy barb.

I agree with Nin and Atti - looks like dropsy to me cos of the scales protruding.
Antibacterial treatment might work - tho it depends how long she's been like this tbh.

I think it is too far gone, but you could try Esha 2000, full dose for 3 days then half dose.

Ninjouzata said:

It does look pineconed, are the scales sticking out when you view it from above?
 
I think it may be a longfin rosy barb.

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Yes, scales sticking out. I just recently did a larger water change, 25 percent, but I'll do another one. Is it contagious? None of the other fish seem sick or exhibit similar symptoms. I tend to have some nitrates in the water, but PH is stable at 7.6, absolutely zero ammonia or nitrites. I did the water change because of the existence of nitrates, and I will readily admit to not doing them often enough.

I'm very appreciative for everyone's responses!

star4 said:

I think it is too far gone, but you could try Esha 2000, full dose for 3 days then half dose.

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I have probably 30 other fish in the tank, it's a community 55. Would medication like this negatively affect other fish?

Another thing worth mentioning, I have very, very hard water where I am. It's just the way it comes out of the tap. The LFS guy, who is very, very knowledgable and helpful, has generally told me it's no big deal, although it's always bothered me. I'm the type of person who really likes to do things right, and the fact that the water is hard has always bothered me. Is there anything I can do about that, even if it's not a cause of this? I have a planted community tank with a large piece of driftwood for my bottle nose pleco. Anything I can do to make life better for my fishies I'll gladly do. The tank has been up and running for close to 4 years now, water has always been crystal clear and aside from chronically high nitrates, which is my fault, there have been no problems - no mass deaths, no disease, nothing. I just tend to leave the tank alone as the water always looks immaculate, but I've been on myself to do regular water changes more often now due to the the nitrates (and I've increased the plants for the same reason, to combat nitrates).

Dropsy itself is not contagious however I would not recommend dosing the whole tank in this instance. Are you able to set up a small hospital tank?

star4 said:

Dropsy itself is not contagious however I would not recommend dosing the whole tank in this instance. Are you able to set up a small hospital tank?

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Yes, I did, and actually the fish is looking a bit better this morning. I put Melafix and some Epsom salt in the tank and he doesn't look as big this morning. I looked really closely at the big tank last night. I have a whole bunch of little fish and two hoplo cats in there. They look fine, but the one hoplo looks maybe just a tiny, tiny bit enlarged. It's really hard to say if it's just my imagination or not. But since Melafix is a natural substance and not a medication per se, I'm more inclined to just go ahead and dose the entire big tank as a precaution if that's what is recommended. Thanks everyone!