Dropsy is a common disease affecting fresh-water, aquarium fishes. This condition affects the internal organs of fishes, which causes malfunction of major organs and leads to death. Goldfish, Betta, Guppies, Cyprinids and Gouramies are prone to this disease.

Treatment for dropsy includes antibiotics that target the causative agent. Quarantine is important for aquariums with multiple fish as it could spread to multiple fishes and cause stress in other fishes in the tank. Dropsy can also e treated by increasing the aquarium’s temperature a few degrees higher than usual.

Dropsy is characterized by hollow or swollen abdomen. Large amounts of fluid in their tissues and cavities cause their abdomens to appear bloated and inflamed. Since the affected fish develops swollen areas, their scales stick out. Some fishes stop feeding, become lethargic or listless and appear off-color. Others develop sunken eyes and prefer to stay at the bottom or top of the aquarium.

The main cause of dropsy is bacterial infection. However, the causative agent is not easy to detect since it could be introduced through dirty water or food. Other possible causes may include failure of the kidney, liver or heart.