Treating Bloated Goldfish: Salt, Antibiotics, and Peas

A 7-inch pond goldfish bloated, lying on side. Owner tried salt dips, aspirin, pickling salt. Robyn advises:

• Dropsy (scales pineconing) needs injected antibiotics.
• Long-term salt: 1 tbsp/3 gal, not short dips.
• Aspirin is harmful—stop using.
• Peas (cooked, peeled) help mild bloat/swim bladder.
• Use erythromycin (Maracyn) which spares biofilter.
• Monitor ammonia/nitrite in quarantine; change water regularly.

Red threads may be anchor worms—check photos.