Newbie Needs Help W/ Platy

[johnsbrownsugar]

Hi, this is the first time I've ever had Platies. I'm worried about my female. She is extremely fat in the belly and is having a hard time swimming to the top of the tank (imagine an over wieght person wobbling as they walk) . She is pretty much resting on the bottom of the tank and seems to struggle to swim. Her scales poke out a bit. Can some one tell me if she's preggo or if she's ill? What are the symptoms of droopsy??? The other fish seem to be fine. I have a 75 gallon tank w/ gouramis, mollies, tiger barbs, cat fish, and platies. HEEEEELLLLLP!

 

[WILDER]

The fish has dropsy once scales start to stick out organ failure, they rarely make it once this happens, so sorry.
You can do epson salt baths to help draw the fluids out.

 

[johnsbrownsugar]

I don't think I can use salt because of the catfish in the tank. What are my other options?? What does droopsy come from?? Is it contagious??

 

[WILDER]

Never meant put it in the tank, you do a bath.
I would issolate the sick fish as if she dies in the tank and the fish peck at her body it can pass on that way.
Dropsy is a build up of fluids get you some info.

http/www.fishjunkies.com/Diseases/dropsy.php
Also look up salt.

 

[johnsbrownsugar]

OK thanks for the advice. I have a small med tank just for this sort of thing. Hope it works! JBS

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.

 

[sunpirate2u]

U should post a pic of her in the livebearer section. You'll get good help there.

 

[WILDER]

Her scales are sticking out so its dropsy.