Black Molly Ill?

[AngKat]

Hi guys,

I got a black molly today and am wondering if it is unwell. Since I put him in the tank he has spent 99% of the time pecking at everything! Rocks, platic plants, filter etc but not other fish. He also has some kind of pale/white patches on him, but not sure if thats just his normal colouring. What do you think?

 

[AngKat]

Sorry, just seen I was meant to post this info!

Tank size: 54L 12"x24"x12"
pH: 8 ish
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: I've run out of the liquid but lfs told me today it's perfect, didn't think to ask exact measure
kH: I don't know what this is!
gH: Or this!
tank temp: 27 decrees C

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): As above

Volume and Frequency of water changes: 25% weekly

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: None?

Tank inhabitants: 5 male guppies, 1 male betta, 1 dwarf gourami (soon to be rehomed), 1 dalmatian bubble molly, 1 black molly

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): said black molly, dwarf gourami, dalmatian bubble molly all bought today

Exposure to chemicals: none

Digital photo (include if possible): see above

 

[laura120381]

hello again!!

the pecking behaviour is quite normal, especially if you just got him today. he is probably just checking out his new surroundings!! have you noticed any sort of flicking movements or scratching on plants/gravel/decs? i am not sure if you included a photo as i am at work and it won't let me see any of them!! could be whitespot if its displaying the above behaviour. are the patches just on the body? are there any on the fins??

L

 

[AngKat]

Hello!! Patches are just on the body, nothing on the fins. Doesn't seem to be scaratching on anything, just pecking for the last 7 hours! There is a pic there when you are ready

 

[laura120381]

ok. i will have a look when i get home. should be about 11pm. if the molly is not displaying any of that behaviour and the spots are on its body only, i don't think there is anything to worry about. i would say its a natural colouration but i will hopefully be able to confirm this (or someone else will) when i see the pic. in the meantime try not to worry! doesn't sound serious! even if it was whitespot or a fungal infection, it will be fine overnight...really doesn't sound like any of that though!

L

 

[Mowbz]

Just looks like normal coloring, (or mis-colouring) but keep an eye on it over the next few days, and watch for it on others too.

Its fairly warm in the tank, is there a reason for running it at 27'C?

KH and GH are measures of water hardness. They're not critical, most dont have a test for this

Well done on getting the Gourami rehomed, Betta's and Gourami's will often fight. Its not unheard of for them to live together, but it rarely works out. Perhaps take it back for credit?

Hope this helps!

 

[laura120381]

there you go AngKat!! thanks Mowbz! it is such a pain in the neck not being able to view the pics here. guess i should think myself lucky that i can get onto the forum though.

glad that it is just normal colouration and nothing more sinister!! as i say, i wouldn't worry too much about the pecking!! should settle down a bit in a few days...or perhaps you just have a very nosey molly!!!

i had not noticed the temp of your tank. that is a wee bit high...???

L.

 

[AngKat]

Thanks guys! Temp is due to more great advice from lfs!! What should I lower it to to accomodate all the fish?

 

[Mowbz]

I can see their thinking;

Having the temp too high speeds up the metabolism and shortens lifespan = You have to buy fish more often.

Turn your heater off and wait for it to drop. If it hasn't dropped to about 23-24'C before you got to bed tonight (doubtful), set your heater to this, and leave it for the night, and check back in the morning.

There's plenty of care guides for fish on this Forum, have a read through and get a happy medium

 

[AngKat]

Thank you mowbz! Have done what you have suggested. Blade, the black Molly, is currently doing a really long white poop! Is that normal? I'm sorry I'm such a worrier. Never thought I would love fish so much. We only started it as a little Christmas present last year for my daughter!!

 

[fidjet2]

i dont think the white poo is normal.....its a sign of internal parasites. You will have to wait for a more experienced member to help you though

 

[Mowbz]

i dont think the white poo is normal.....its a sign of internal parasites. You will have to wait for a more experienced member to help you though

EDIT: Stupid laptop not showing posts

 

[colleen0309]

No, unfortunately white poo is not normal. It also looks from the photo that his fins are alittle clamped. Is he active or just sits around? It could be internal parasites or an internal bacterial infection.