Boiled peas are fish laxatives. If the problem is something the fish ate (bloodworms are a common cause), it can save a fish's life. If the dropsy has another cause (disease) and the "pineconing" effect of scales sticking out is caused by kidney failure, your fish are doomed. Pregnant livebearers can also get "fry-bound" and die.
As to how to stop losing fish, stop adding fish until your ammonia and nitrites are zero and there are no signs of disease or stress in your remaining fish for several weeks. Then quarantine all new fish.
Last edited by emc7; 01-22-2008 at 02:57 PM.
|