Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

One of my goldfish has a swollen belly (I only have two in a 30 gallon tank). It hasn't really eating for the past two days. They get fed a few different foods, but they don't really like fresh veggies so I give them algae sinking tablets instead to increase the roughage.
I know it's not dropsy, because it's only the belly that is swollen and I do not see the scales sticking out (I had a fish die from this so I know what it looks like).
My first impression is the my fish may be constipated. I did a 1/2 tank water change (even though all the chemistries looked fine), added salt to the tank, and I am going to try to feed them peas tomorrow.
I just read it may be egg binding too. I don't know if it's a he or a she. Any other suggestions?
Thanks a lot in advance,

Hmmm. That is odd. See if the pea helps, the water change should also help if it is some bacterial thing or water parameter issue, but I'm guessing if all that doesn't help it could be a parasite, or like you said egg binding. I'm not too familiar with the egg binding, so your post is now a Hot Topic so other goldfish people can help you out. Hopefully it's just constipation. Keep us posted on the progress being made.
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Hi,
The December issue of Aquarium Fish International has an article on fish constipation, which sounds like what might be wrong with your fish. Peas is one of the suggestions to treat it. Or live or frozen foods or dry food soaked in medicinal paraffin oil,glycerol, castor oil, or aquarium water. Thawed frozen peas or spinach. Fasting for a few days is another suggestion. Hope this helps,
staffordmom