Unsure of Black Molly, if sick.

[Ahughes1805]

I have 2 images of my Molly who has gotten larger in days which I believe is pregnant again. However, she’s been acting different. Floating mostly head down. Unsure this is just a pregnancy problem or an underlying Illness. All other fish in tank acting normal. 
 

no spikes and all tank levels normal. 
 

thanks.

[Schuyler]

Sounds like a swim bladder issue.

Has she been eating a lot? It could be bloat from overeating or some internal parasite.

[Ahughes1805]

The tank has been fed the same amount of food each morning. 
I haven’t introduced anything new to the tank. I just noticed last night and will keep watching but if the thought of a parasite…I’ll quarantine and use a medication and see if anything changes.
 

Thanks.

[Ahughes1805]

To all whom view,

Within the 2 days of this symptom showing the Molly has passed. 😞

No other fish showing identical symptoms or problems. If anyone has any knowledge so that I can learn more…I appreciate any similar instances and possible causes.

[nabokovfan87]

Very sorry for your loss @Ahughes1805 Sounds like swim bladder issue or something called pineconing.  This could be due to what foods are being feed (too much protein, fish becomes "backed up" so to speak).   I would recommend looking into those two and please feel free to ask any questions you may have here.  We're all happy to help! 🙂

 

Quote

Swim Bladder Disorder

Swim bladder disorder or floating disorder is a condition in which the swim bladder of your fish isn’t working properly, thus affecting the ability of a fish to float or to maintain buoyancy.

Symptoms

• Floating upside down or “dead man’s position.”
• The fish sinks to the bottom and has difficulty in rising to the surface

Cause

• Physical injury
• Birth defect
• Overfeeding Lower water temperature
• Feeding of frozen peas
• Poor water condition

Treatment

• Change the water regularly.
• Avoid overfeeding
• Add one tbsp of aquarium salt in the aquarium water.
• Keep the temperature of the water a bit higher.

 

Edited December 22, 2022 by nabokovfan87