Fish is listless, weak & scales are sticking out

Question
QUESTION: My sons fish, Elvis(a white fish with red quiff-like lump at front of it's head) has become weak & just sits at the bottom of the tank most of the time. It's scales seem to be sticking out like goosebumps when you are cold. I found it stuck between a plant and the water filter this morning as if too weak to move away so i have turned off the pump & now it has moments of swimming but then seems to pant for breath & just stay in one position.

My 12 yr old son is very worried.
What should i do please?

Karen Stutz

ANSWER: Hi Karen;

I'm so sorry he is sick. It's a very serious condition too and usually treatment is not successful. Poor little guy. He has a problem called "dropsy". It isn't a disease itself, but is a symptom of organ failure, usually the kidneys. Fluid has built up inside his body from the inability of his kidneys to process it.

Here is a web page about it if you want to try to help him;

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article24.html

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Chris,

Thankyou for your prompt and informative reply.  Very sad news! Is Elvis in pain & if so can anything be done to euthanais him humanely?

Karen

Answer
Hi Karen;

Poor Elvis. Since he is listless and weak I would assume he probably is suffering. There is indeed a humane way to euthanize him using 100% clove oil (at health food stores and some drug stores) and vodka. Follow the instructions on the below web page to mix and use properly. Read the whole page all the way to the bottom. There are comments there from people who have used this method with responses from the expert that will help you know what to expect;

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

I'm so sorry you have to go through this....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins