What if a number of my koi appear to be bloated
Causes of bloating in koi.
1. Excessive levels of fluid and Dropsy.
Caused normally by kidney malfunction within the koi or internal bacterial infections. The bloating could also be the result of the koi being egg bound. However if the bloating is accompanied by scales lifting from the body of the fish then this is a classical sign of a disease called Dropsy. The disease of Dropsy also known as pine cone disease is normally fatal to the koi. It is possible for Dropsy to spread to other fish in the pond so euthanizing the infected koi should be seriously considered.
2) Tumour
Tumours or growths are not accompanied by lifted scales and generally the fish is not so bloated as one infected with Dropsy appearing as more of a lump on the koi. Tumours are unlikely to be spread to other koi in the pond and often it is necessary to euthanize the fish.
3) Obesity or just plain fat
A 'bloated' koi may just be fat from overeating and overfeeding! One solution is to feed less and also feed a lower protein food typically used for winter feeding.
4) Spawn bound or egg bound fish
During spring to early summer female koi "flesh out" in preparation for laying eggs within the pond. Mature koi might even be egg bound up to late summer.
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