Yes, it sure is dropsy....it definitely looks like a pinecone (it kinda looks like a blowfish it's so fat). I've been cleaning the tank out a lot but my fish just seems to get worse. I put extra salt in and some anti-parasite med., but nothing seems to help. Every now and then I see a white thing come out. Still trying to get my sister to look at the one I collected. Today my fish has been sitting at the bottom of the tank. It has also been constantly opening and closing its mouth lately (I think more so since it's had dropsy). Also, as of yesterday there has been a dark looking spot (I can't really discribe it) reddish or blackish. I'm not sure if it's an infection or what....or if it's under its scales. But anyway it is a a couple of milimeters below its dorsal fin on both sides of its body. I just noticed a small flea sized black spot a few milimeters in front of its dorsal fin. I don't know what to do or if there's anything I can do. Thank you very much, Momar, for your concern.