Fluid retention due to organ failure or infection

-swelling

-scales sticking up (pineconing)

Possible symptoms:

-lethargy

-loss of appetite

-difficulty swimming

-pale or discolored gills

Constipation pregnancy/egg bearing

Obesity

If there’s pineconing (raised scales) it’s most likely dropsy.

Slim chance of recovery

Hospital tank

It’s a Symptom

Fresh/salt

Usually referred to as edema when talking about invertebrates or saltwater

Stress can weaken the immune system, opening the body for issues.

Stressful conditions:

-aggressive tank mates

-poor water quality (improper water parameters)

-low oxygen

-improper diet

This can damage the organs

Can damage internal organs leading to fluid buildup

These organs play a crucial role in fluid regulation, and their failure can cause fluid to not be passed properly.

You most likely won’t be able to do anything if it’s liver or kidney failure.

There may be an illness causing the dropsy.

if there is white stringy feces, it could be a parasitic infection

So your fish doesn’t have to work as hard to stay warm. Stay within your fishes temp range

Do not use Epsom salt with fragrance or any additives.

Epsom salt helps relieve the osmotic pressure

Ideally you want:

Ammonia 0

Nitrite 0

Nitrate 0-20ppm

And the proper and stable pH KH and GH

‼️do not rapidly change pH GH or KH‼️

This causes more stress

High protein and low-fat food (e.g brine shrimp, daphnia)

Peeled peas for omnivores, (NOT bettas) high in fiber.

Avoid overfeeding

If it seems like they’re in pain or uncomfortable, and it’s not getting better, consider euthanasia.

June 15 2026