Swelling in dottiback

[JennyG]

My dottiback has swelling on her left side. It’s hard to see in the picture but there is a small white dot on the top of it, like a pimple. Any idea what could be causing it? She otherwise appears normal.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

My dottiback has swelling on her left side. It’s hard to see in the picture but there is a small white dot on the top of it, like a pimple. Any idea what could be causing it? She otherwise appears normal.

I can't see the pimple in the photos. How long has the fish been swollen? Is it still eating well?

I compiled a list of reasons why fish can develop abdominal swelling:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/causes-of-abdominal-swelling-in-fishes.1098720/

 

[JennyG]

My dottiback has swelling on her left side. It’s hard to see in the picture but there is a small white dot on the top of it, like a pimple. Any idea what could be causing it? She otherwise appears normal.

I can't see the pimple in the photos. How long has the fish been swollen? Is it still eating well?

I compiled a list of reasons why fish can develop abdominal swelling:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/causes-of-abdominal-swelling-in-fishes.1098720/

Eating and swimming normally. I initially thought she had a bloated stomach but the swelling is more towards the left side .

 

[vetteguy53081]

Eating and swimming normally. I initially thought she had a bloated stomach but the swelling is more towards the left side .

May be from an injury or infection. Is fish yet eating?

 

[JennyG]

Eating and swimming normally. I initially thought she had a bloated stomach but the swelling is more towards the left side .

May be from an injury or infection. Is fish yet eating?

She’s eating. As far as an injury I guess it’s possible she got poked by my urchin.

 

[vetteguy53081]

She’s eating. As far as an injury I guess it’s possible she got poked by my urchin.

Yep and that may have caused the swelling. If it gets worse, separate the fish in a separate container and treat with Seachem Neoplex or Tri-sulfa

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Eating and swimming normally. I initially thought she had a bloated stomach but the swelling is more towards the left side .

Yes - asymmetrical swelling is different, a bloated belly, or ascites would be more symetrical. This could be some internal infection that has reached the surface, or an injury like you mentioned. Internal infections are very difficult to treat.