Dropsy is the buildup of fluid inside the body cavity or tissues of a fish. As a symptom rather than a disease, it can indicate a number of underlying diseases, including bacterial infections, parasitic infections or liver dysfunction.

What causes fish to get dropsy?

Dropsy in fish is actually a cluster of symptoms caused by an infection from bacteria commonly present in all aquariums. Consequently, any fish may be exposed to the dropsy-causing bacteria, but healthy fish rarely fall prey to the disease.

Can fish dropsy spread to humans?

Like all animals, fish may carry germs that make people sick. These germs can also contaminate the water in which fish live. Although fish and aquarium water can spread germs to people, illness due to keeping fish is rare.