About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question Hi again Christy,
I gave my sick fantail an epsom salt bath yesterday and she seemed to be doing better until now.When I went to go check up on her I saw her laying on her side barely moving!From the looks of it, it seems that her stomach is more bouyant on one side than the other?Is there anything else I can do for her? Whats causing this?thanks for the help
Answer Hi Jen
It's hard to say what caused it, it could be dropsy like we thought, internal parasites, something from the water quality since it was a newer tank, even a genetic deformity inside the fish....just hard to say for sure. But, like I said, you did everything correct in treating him. Sometimes even with internal parasites, the parasites can become so large, the meds can kill them, but the fish can't pass them and they end up as a blockage. The only way to know for sure what's going on, is to do a necropsy once the fish passes on. Here's a link-with some photos of the internal anatomy
***warning graphic photos if you're squeamish***
