male fantail

Question
I have 3 male fantails.  Today, I noticed that one of them was rather swollen appearing to be pregnant...however, at a closer view His  side is clearly splitting open by his fin and a whiteish/brown/red mass is coming out.  It is all intact and not oozing or leaking.  What do you think is wrong?  The three fish get along well and do not bother each other they all seem to be happy..  I have since quarentined him and am currently cleaning the tank...incase of a communicable disease.

Answer
Hi Heidi,
Awww, poor little fish. I honestly don't know what could have happened to the fantail. But maybe he has an internal growth that burst, maybe even a tumor. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but help keep the fish as comfortable as possible. Make sure the water is always clean, and he can get to his food without trouble. And unfortunately it would also be your decision on if his quality life should ever be effected by the growth and if you should put him out of his misery by euthanizing him with clove oil -- which is the most humane way. Here's a link to an article about it-

http://thegab.org/Articles/Euthanasia.html

Now of course I'm not saying you should give up on him. But this is just in case.

Best of luck with the little fella. I hope he gets better but just know that his chances could be very slim.
Karen~