Goldfish Lying on Side, Swollen Belly: Constipation or Dropsy?

Is My Goldfish Constipated, Pregnant, or Sick?

Goldfish don't get "pregnant"—they lay eggs. A swollen belly + lying on side usually means constipation or dropsy (kidney failure).

Constipation (Common, Treatable)

• Caused by low-fiber diet (too many pellets, not enough veggies).
• Fish still eats, swims intermittently.
• Fix: Feed blanched peas (skin removed), daphnia, or lettuce. Fast 1–2 days.

Dropsy (Serious, Often Fatal)

• Scales pinecone outward (like a pinecone).
• Fish stops eating, isolates, struggles to swim.
• Caused by bacterial infection, organ failure, or poor water quality.
• Treatment: Epsom salt baths, antibiotics (injectable best), pristine water. Prognosis guarded.

Immediate Steps

1. Check for pineconing scales.
2. Test water: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH.
3. Fast 2 days, then feed peas daily for a week.
4. Add aquarium salt: 1 tbsp per 5 gallons.
5. If no improvement in 3–5 days, consider antibiotics.

Prevention: varied diet, regular water changes, avoid overfeeding.