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Big Belly Disease???

4K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  BarbH 
#1 ·
I don't know if there is such a thing as Big Belly Disease, but I've lost two fish to it in two separate tanks in the last week. One was a large Sailfin Molly in a 20-gallon tank and the other is a Convict Chichlid in a 55-gallon tank. (Actually, the chichlid isn't dead yet, but it's only a matter of time before it's a goner.) Their bellies swell up until the scales stand out and then they die. So, any guesses as to what I'm dealing with here? Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I don't know if there is such a thing as Big Belly Disease, but I've lost two fish to it in two separate tanks in the last week. One was a large Sailfin Molly in a 20-gallon tank and the other is a Convict Chichlid in a 55-gallon tank. (Actually, the chichlid isn't dead yet, but it's only a matter of time before it's a goner.) Their bellies swell up until the scales stand out and then they die. So, any guesses as to what I'm dealing with here? Thanks!

First welcome to tropical fish keeping :-D Sounds like it could be dropsy which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. What are your water parameters levels on ammonia nitrite and nitrates. Also what is your water change schedule for these tanks, how often and how much water do you change out. Poor water quality can be a cause for this. Unfortunately once the fish starts displaying bloated stomach and scales sticking out the damage is too extensive.
 
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