Is This Normal Mollie Behaviour?

[JasonMichael]

Hi guys,

Recently purchased 2 male Mollies, they sometimes go to the top of the tank waterline and it looks like they are sucking air in. Is this normal behavior for them or is it a sign of not enough oxygen in the tank (none of my other fish do this though and seem fine)?

Thanks.

 

[UKSPEED]

Mine do this sometimes too, whilst all other fish dont seem to.

 

[alistairw]

Hi mate

Mine do it every now and then too. I always test the water straight away, as gasping at the surface can be a sign of nitrite poisoning......but my results always show 0ppm ammonia and 0ppm nitrite, so am left stumped!!

I know your tank has been running for a while and you used mature media, so I doubt it is that problem unless you have had a problem.

I know that mollies ideal conditions are for brackish water, so possibly could be something to do with that.

What is your surface agitation like?

Otherwise, i am all out of ideas!!

Al

 

[basboi85]

I'm always seeing mine do it, not all the time. but I know my tanks fine for air especially when I'm using a spray bar plus 2 airstones.

I think it's just typical molly behaviour and it wouldn't suprise me if they think a air bubble is possibly a bit of food lol

 

[snazy]

I haven't had mollies but I'd be worried if my fish are at the top of the tank and I have noticed it is a sign of upcoming issue. They could carry a disease. Staying at the top is not normal. It can be anything, water quality, oxygen or disease that hasn't shown external signs yet. I'd watch out just in case.

 

[JasonMichael]

Mine do this sometimes too, whilst all other fish dont seem to.

Hi mate

Mine do it every now and then too. I always test the water straight away, as gasping at the surface can be a sign of nitrite poisoning......but my results always show 0ppm ammonia and 0ppm nitrite, so am left stumped!!

I know your tank has been running for a while and you used mature media, so I doubt it is that problem unless you have had a problem.

I know that mollies ideal conditions are for brackish water, so possibly could be something to do with that.

What is your surface agitation like?

Otherwise, i am all out of ideas!!

Al

I'm always seeing mine do it, not all the time. but I know my tanks fine for air especially when I'm using a spray bar plus 2 airstones.

I think it's just typical molly behaviour and it wouldn't suprise me if they think a air bubble is possibly a bit of food lol

I haven't had mollies but I'd be worried if my fish are at the top of the tank and I have noticed it is a sign of upcoming issue. They could carry a disease. Staying at the top is not normal. It can be anything, water quality, oxygen or disease that hasn't shown external signs yet. I'd watch out just in case.

Hmm, all water tests conducted show O as well alistairw so its weird haha. It's not all the time they do it just occasionally, I have a feeling it's normal behavior. Surface agitation is good

Haha I think your right there basboi85, they always seem to think a lot of things are food

Hmm not too sure snazy, everything is fine in the tank and has been, I will be keeping a close eye on them but they seem fine, right now there swimming around with all the others, having a good old time