help sick fish - mystery illness

[k8bailey]

One of my shubunkins is looking really ill, it's eyes and belly swelled up about a week ago, his belly now looks better and his eyes did improve but are now very bad. Today he is just lying on the bottom of the tank, only getting up occasionally. Whats causing this? can we do anything about it?

He lives in a 60litre tank with 7 other small goldfish / shubunkins / comets in it. The tank was set up in january. I've tested the water and everythings ok, and none of the other fish look ill, all still feeding etc.

[Avatar]

Is symptoms like? :
Dropsy.
Swelling of the body cavity due to a build-up of fluid. Scales become raised giving a pinecone-like appearance. One or both of the eyes may be protruded.

Can be caused by
Usually triggered by poor water quality, especially the presence of ammonia and nitrite. Often confined to individual fish.

Action
Test water and improve water conditions immediately. Aquarium salt at a dose of 1- 3g/litre can help to prevent salt loss.

Treatment
Can be difficult to treat. A broad spectrum anti- bacteria treatment is the best option in most cases.

Hope this helps, found on www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/diseases.htm

[k8bailey]

Thanks for your reply, that sounds like it could be it. I've just tested the water again and there could be a problem but all the colours on the test strip are so similar its hard to tell.

I will go and buy the treatments tonight but I think the news may have come too late for sick fish he is still alive but lying on his side today and looking pale :-(

[Avatar]

It is hard to tell.

You could do a partial water change, that will improve the quality a bit straight away. Assuming you have the relevant Nutra safe tap water stuff.

At least it doesnt seem to be contagious.