Red Tail Black Shark - Dropsy?

[Sambo]

I think my Red Tail Black shark has dropsy. He is all bloated and scales are sticking out.

I think a fish died as I cant see him anymore, could the bacteria form a dead fish casue Dropsy?

Is their any treatment that I can do to make him better? I'm going to do a water change when I get home, will that help?

Thanks Guys

Sam

 

[Colin_T]

Dropsy is characterised by a sudden bloating of the fish and is often accompanied by scales standing out to the side. It is caused by an internal bacterial infection or organ failure. Sometimes both. The bacteria damage the organs and the organ ruptures or fails and the inside of the fish fills up with fluid. Death occurs within a day to a week depending on the fish.
Internal problems are virtually impossible to treat because you have to get the medication inside the fish. By the time you know the fish is sick it is too late and the fish has stopped feeding.
If another fish eats the dead diseased fish then they too can pick it up. Remove any bodies as soon as you notice them. Do some partial water changes and gravel clean the tank each time you do a water change.