bellus angel got really fat.

[lakai]

I have a female bellus angel about 3 years old. I noticed recently over a very short period her behavior changed from very active to now very lethargic. She also seems to have gotten really really fat almost overnight. It can't be a parasite or any disease because everything in my tank is quarantined. Wondering if anyone has any insights.

 

[DeniseAndy]

@Jay Hemdal

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have a female bellus angel about 3 years old. I noticed recently over a very short period her behavior changed from very active to now very lethargic. She also seems to have gotten really really fat almost overnight. It can't be a parasite or any disease because everything in my tank is quarantined. Wondering if anyone has any insights.

While female fish can fill up with eggs, and some get egg bound, I think this is something else - the bloating is further forward than where the ovaries are located. Since the fish still seems to have proper buoyancy, that leaves ascites, fluid build up. In marine fish, this is either caused by liver or kidney failure. Sorry, but just like with people, there is no treatment for this (that’s why people need transplants).

Edit: additionally, the eyes seem to be protruding - that is also a symptom of edema and/or ascites.

Jay

 

[lakai]

Thank you! Is she in pain ? Should I euthanize her?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you! Is she in pain ? Should I euthanize her?

Pain perception in fish is not clear to me. I let the fish guide me…if the fish is still eating and can carry out basic life processes, I generally hold off euthanizing, just in case it might recover. I’ve had electric eels live for years with ascites.
Jay