Dropsy?

[chibi]

The scales on the top of my balloon molly's head have been sticking up lately, and it's been like that for a few weeks now. However, I see no decrease in appetite, it swims and acts fine, and shows no sign of being ill. My water parameters are fine. Could it be dropsy, or could it be something else? I added a little salt to the tank about a week ago (very little, since I have cories, but I have many livebearers... maybe only 5 tsp in my 30 gallon) to maybe help.

 

[scooterchick]

Hmmm, with no other symptoms there's not much else you can do other than keep an eye on the situation, make sure the water is tip top and avoid overfeeding.

How many fish exactly?

 

[ClaireD]

dropsy is horrible, and if your fish has had it for as long as you say it may be a little late.
I've had fish balloon up and recover though so all hope isn't lost. Also, it isnt very contagious but if you can quarantine the fish, all the better. (if it dies, its best to remove the fish before it is eaten in case the cause was viral)

Dropsy is a bacterial disease. You can get commercial treatments from any fish store but the earlier you treat this the better.
A slight inscrease in temperature and the addition of some epsom salts can help the fish to pass the buildup of fluid.

edit: wait the scales on TOP of her head? could she have just smashed her head into a rock?

 

[chibi]

scooter: How many fish have it? Just one.

Claire: Yep, it's on the front part of her body. It's not just on top of her head, but around her eyes too. It's possible she could have ran into something, seeing how awkward she swims, wobbling around.

Thanks you guys! I'll keep an eye on her to make sure it doesn't get worse.