Glossary · 🩺 Health
Dropsy
Dropsy is not a disease but a symptom — a swollen belly with scales sticking out like a pinecone — that signals serious internal fluid buildup, often from organ failure, and carries a poor outlook.
The "pineconing" look is caused by fluid retention and usually indicates the fish is very unwell internally. It is often a sign of an advanced problem rather than something with a quick fix.
Because the underlying causes vary and are hard to treat at home, this is very much a "see a fish-savvy vet" situation; we can help you recognise it, not cure it.