The first symptom of this disease is a loss in appetite and weight.
If you notice this in your fish then it is important that treatment start immediately as the next symptoms show that the stages of this disease are worsening which will more than likely result in the death of your fish.
Although before you remove your fish for treatment, check to make sure that the fish is not holding fry in her mouth, as these fish have a tendency to do this, and this can be a cause of a loss of appetite in them.
When the disease has passed the first stage and onto the second stage, then this is where the fish begins to suffer.
The symptoms of the second stage start with a swelling of the abdomen, hence the name "Malawi bloat".
Other symptoms of this second stage are the respiratory rate of the fish increases, reclusiveness occurs, white streaky faeces can be seen, and the fish may either sit on the bottom of the tank, or linger at the surface.
When the disease gets really bad, ulcerations around the anus of the fish can appear, as well as ulcerations on its skin.
These symptoms usually affect the fish in the later stages of the disease, and as you can see without treatment from the first symptom, the fish will gradually become sicker and more in pain until death occurs.
It is said that when the disease reaches past the second stage, damage to the fish's swim bladder, kidneys and liver have probably occurred.
Usually when this happens the fish will soon die within 24 to 72 hours afterwards.
Although there have been cases where they have lasted over a week, but there has been no survival stories past this stage.
There are a couple of treatments for this disease and one of them is Metronidazole, Emtryl or Flagyl, while another is Clout.
To buy these treatments for your fish, you may find them in the pet store that you bought your fish from, or you may be able to buy it off the internet.
These have been effective in saving fish that have gotten this disease which have gone on to living longer lives.
When using any treatment method for this disease, it is important that you read the label to make sure that you treat the fish accordingly.
Malawi bloat can really make a fish suffer, so if you see the first sign of this disease appear, it is important that you treat it as soon as possible, because if not, your fish will die a painful death.