Molly Swims Upright Tail Broken?

[lagernut]

i have recently noticed that one of my 6 mollies is swimming upright and doesnt use its tail at all and looks slightly crooked. its as if its tail is broken?? is this the case or is it something else?? hope someone can help me asap as i dont want to leave it in pain if it is that is??
thanks

 

[mav8989]

Is it "wiggling" or "shimmying" in place - kind of like the whole body wobbles but it isn't going anywhere?

What are your water stats? Are you using any salt in the tank? Any other signs of illness?

 

[lagernut]

it uses the side fins to swim around very slowly but is always upright, never moves the tail at all and its slightly crooked.
dont know my tank water stats. and i dont use salt as i have 2 japonica shrimp and 2 plecs. no sign of any other illness that i am aware of they are all eating and swimming around fine.

 

[mav8989]

At first I thought what you were describing might be what some call the "shimmies". Some Mollies seem to get it from lack of salt (Mollies are brackish fish - but so hybridized at this point that I think it is subject to debate, IMO). Except to treat for ich and some fungus and bacteria, I don't use salt either because some of my fish can't handle it - so good call on that.

I've seen it very rarely, but thought it could actually be the shimmies showing up, but it doesn't sound like it now though. The curved/bent tail doesn't sound too hot. The only thing I can think of that causes that serious of a deformity is Fish TB. I don't want to be an alarmist either --- so search the forums for TB and see what you think. It guess it could be an actual injury and not chronic disease related too - but I've personally never seen that symptom develop.

I'll have to pass to someone with more expertise - sorry I can't be of more help and good luck!

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I agree if the actual spine of the fish appears permanently bent/warped out of place then fish TB is certainly a posibility as to the cause (it breaks down the tissues of the fish over time, often causing bending of the fishes spine and body).