Bloated Goldfish: Kidney Failure, Tumors, or TB? Diagnosis and Care

Not Dropsy (No Pineconing)

Slow, progressive bloating without raised scales suggests **chronic kidney dysfunction**, **internal tumor**, or **fish tuberculosis (Mycobacterium)**. The fish can't regulate internal water, so it swells.

Is It Contagious?

• Kidney failure/tumors: Not contagious.
• Fish TB: Bacteria can be present in healthy carriers for years. Other fish are likely already exposed. No need to isolate unless open sores appear.

Supportive Care

• Salt at 0.05% (0.5 lbs/100 gal) helps osmoregulation.
• High-quality, easily digestible food (soaked pellets, gel food).
• Clean water: Frequent small changes, good filtration.
• No antibiotics unless a vet confirms bacterial infection (TB requires specific drugs, long-term).

Post-Mortem Clues

If the fish dies, a necropsy (cut open) reveals:

• Jelly-like fluid = kidney/heart failure.
• White, cheesy nodules = TB.
• Hard mass = tumor.

Quality of life: If the fish can't submerge, eat, or swim normally for weeks, clove oil euthanasia is humane. You've given it a good life.