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SYMPTOMS

The fish's body bloats out and scales stand away from body producing a pineapple-like appearance most obvious from above - most common in Carp family and Anabantids.

DISEASE :

ODEMA or DROPSY - causal pathogen(s) not certain - possibly multiple fungal/bacterial infection

Taxonomy

AKA:

MALAWI BLOAT

Kingdom:

Phylum:

Class:

DESCRIPTION:

Internal bacterial infection is suspected if the fish is not eating, has a swollen abdomen, and may have "popeye" where the eye bulges outward. In late stages the spine can curve.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Bloat can be caused by Overeating, internal parasites, or internal bacterial infection, drop in temperature. The first course of action is to use Epsom Salt at a rate of 1 to 2 tablespoons/10 gallons aquarium water for a 24 hour period. This may relieve a bowel obstruction due to overeating. If internal parasites are suspected, see

Fish affected with dropsy may also have tuberculosis.

LIFE CYCLE

IMAGE/S

KNOWN TREATMENT/S

Waterlife OCTOZIN where the infection of the viscera is essentially protozoan / bacterial / fungal.

Sulfonamide, Tetracycline, Chlortetracycline/Oxytetracycline contained in Aureomycin and Terramycin, Chloramphenicol(Chloromycetin)

Lower temps (80 to 82 degrees F. for discus)
Low pH inhibits bacteria (do NOT drop the ph in a Discus Tank with haste)

Quarantine recommended & Prophylactic treatment of tankmates.

Kanacyn
Epsom salt

Nitrofurazone

antibacterial medicated food

Gentamycin Sulfate

Oxolinic acid

Broad spectrum antibiotic

Maracyn II

Sulfamerizine

Penicillin

Naladixic acid

For help with dose rates and disease diagnosis in Discus, see our Forum...

PREVENTION

Improve filtration and system hygiene.

Ensure food isn't spoilt before feeding.

Do not over feed.

References

Handbook of Fish Diseases by Dieter Untergasser, TFH Publications, Inc 1989

Waterlife.co.uk

For more interesting discussion and insight into treating Tropical Fish Diseases, as well as care and maintenance of Discus, visit our forum.

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