tik1998

I have a sunset platy that we've had for probably a year + and all of a sudden it appears to be "blown up" is the best way to describe it. I don't think bloated is the right word because it's all over the fish. It looks literally like it will explode.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what this is? I've never seen it in all my years of fish (over 10) and I have a well-established tank that has many other fish without any problems.

Thanks in advance for any help!

susitna-flower

HI, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

Are the scales sticking out like a pine cone? If so it sounds like dropsy. This is a kidney problem, and is hard to treat. Some say if you seperate and treat with epsom salt, then an anti bacterial like maracyn-plus, or maracyn-two it might help.....for the epsom salts, start with 1 tsp / gallon, and you can go up to 1 TBL/gallon. I wouldn't use this for more than a few days....usually if it is going to help it will do so within a day or two...once the water is drawn out, the meds can work and the fish is less stressed...

However, like I said, it is REALLY hard to treat, and just like in humans, once the kidneys stop working, it is hard for them to recover.

Good Luck, and I hope your fish recovers....Let us know!