Why is my female fish bloated? Is it dropsy or is she pregnant?

By your description, it could have been dropsy. Without an image or exam though, this cannot be determined definitively. Dropsy is a symptom of underlying illness, rather than a specific disease. Maintaining a clean tank, stable water chemistry and proper environmental parameters will go a long way in prevent illness. Separate any sick fish will keep disease from potentially spreading in the tank.

Hello, Unfortunately, the condition is most likely a fluid accumulation in the abdomen, often referred to in layman's terms as "dropsy". It is generally a sign of severe disease with a poor prognosis. Here is a video of a veterinarian explaining this in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42DAoriYhVI I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for reaching out and including photos. Coeloms (abdomens) are swollen, but unable to determine if eggs. Often when it is time to spawn, the vent becomes slightly everted. An ultrasound would be the only way to truly determine if eggs are in the abdomen. Good luck.

Unfortunately, if it is dropsy by the time a fish is "pineconing", chances of recovery are quite slim. You can try a course of a broad spectrum antibiotic. Look for one with activity against gram negative bacteria. You can find them in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Maracyn Two is an example of an appropriate antibiotic. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes as well. Epsom salt can be added to the tank as well to help draw out excess fluid. Dissolve about 1/4 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank.

Thanks for reaching out about Bubbles and including a photo. Abdominal distention (often termed "dropsy") can be due to accumulated fluid, eggs, enlarged organs or displaced swim bladder. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Store purchased medications are a waste of monies and will not fix anything. A diagnosis needs to be made to effectively treat. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your glowfish. Being gravid can produce distensions on both sides but so can coelomic fluid, an organ enlargement (liver, kidney), constipation and other problems. If having difficulty swimming, eating or isolating self, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Darwin and including photos. Unfortunately, medications added to the water rarely get absorbed systemically. This is likely a swim bladder infection, and systemic medications needed. A veterinary visit can assist with diagnostics and/or treatments. Injections of antibiotics are recommended. If dropsy is present, an aquatic veterinarian should be able to aspirate the fluid off, giving some temporary assistance while medications take effect. Check and correct water parameters and diet. Good luck.