I have had my red fined shark for several months now and have had no problems. I the past few days his belly has gotten quite large and underneth appears as scales that are peeling away. The belly also appears to be looseing its blue color and turning whiteish, maybe just from the strectching. I have not had alot of time to observe him, but it seeems his apetite has gone down too. There are no other of the same species in the tank only cichlids, clown loaches and a crayfish, so in my opinion pregnancy is out of the question. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It is not an expensive fish, but he is one of my favorite. I will be traveling to california, and am not sure when I can check any replies made. If you feel urgency need be taken and I must be informed asap please email me. Thank You.

I actually read and I think that it sounds like dropsy. Does thins sound like a correct diagnosis to anyone. If so does nayone know how to treat it or how contagious it maybe to other fish?

sorry, its been years since i have done anything freshwater...

From my lfs experience I would tend to agree with dropsy. I cant remember treatment off the top of my head. I'll mull it over and respond asap.

it would be awesome if something this in depth could be done for freshwater

I think it sounds like dropsy too. I seem to remember it being treated with Epsom salt when I was into freshwater fish. I also seem to remember that it was oftem fatal :( but that was 20 years ago.

ohhh i have this article about dropsy..if i can find it i will tell you what they said to do

ok. i found it. its from aquarium fish magazine? is that a okay source? it says that once the scales raise and the belly bulges that there isnt much that can be done and they will probably die. if its in the early stages you can treat it with anti bacterial medications and/or salt baths. but i would personally get another person to see this before you do anyhting like this