Molly With Damaged Fins

[fr33k4all]

Please help, I think something is wrong with one of my mollies. It swims around in the same spot and has some damage to its fins. It's tail fin is missing the top and bottom parts of its tail, so the top and bottom edges of the tail are basically parallel to her belly. She doesn't have fins left on her back except the very bottom of them, the fins on her belly aren't there, and her side fins are a little bit torn. I just saw today because I was away and had someone else feeding my fish for me. I don't think she slept at all during the night because the other jollies are still at the bottom of the tank but she's in the same corner as last night. She's moving side to side and squirming, but otherwise isn't moving. Just so you know, I have two other jollies who are both healthy and eating like pigs all day, and 5 neons who seem to be healthy because they all shimmer and swim free in a group. The sick Molly just now darted around the tank twice but returned to the same position in the tank.
Also, is there any way to tell if a fish has ich other than the white spots? All of my mollies are dalmations so it's hard to tell, but I think one of them has a few white spots on her tail fin. Sorry for no pictures, if you need them I'll have to go buy a camera. Thanks for your help!

 

[Byron]

I do not like to get involved in disease issues as I have so little direct experience, but I would suggest you provide some data on your water parameters so others can help more.  The GH and pH is critical for mollies.  Also, have you tested ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?  Shimmying and fin/tail rot can be due to water issues with mollies.  Another question, have you seen any nipping or aggression from the neons?  These tetra can sometimes be nastier than many would think.
 
Ich usually first appears as fish flashing, since the protozoan first attacks the gills.  From your description, I would not consider ich the issue here.
 
Byron.

 

[fr33k4all]

The neons aren't nippy at all, it's actually one of the other mollies that's being nippy. I think that he might have had his fins folded in, do they do that when they feel scared or threatened or something? The alpha-male Molly likes to attack the others during feeding time so maybe he was just scared. And how do I test the water for all of these things? I'm a first time fish owner and have no idea how to keep the water chemistry balanced. Is it critical for these fish? Thanks.

 

[Mamashack]

to TFF, fr33k4all! Sorry you are having these problems!
Those basic water parameters of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and pH are critical for all fish. Each type of fish has it's own comfort range regarding water hardness and softness as Byron mentioned.  I'm guessing you didn't do any research or cycle the tank prior to adding fish if you aren't aware of the value of water tests.
Yours may be stressed by swimming around in toxic amounts of maybe ammonia and nitrite and this leaves them wide open to diseases and can cause apparent aggression.
Have a look at the cycling articles on here in the Beginner's Starting Point under Cycle your Tank then you'll have some idea what it means and how to proceed from where your tank is now. 
As a matter of urgency, get hold of some liquid water test kitts for the basic tests and post the results then we can give more specific guidance. The main 4 are available in kits such as API Freshwater test kits on ebay etc. Not sure what's available in Canada, but there's bound to be something. Only mentioned API as that seems to be the one most members use.
Good luck!

 

[Byron]

Agree.  Just to pick up on a couple of things, as I see you are in Canada (like me).  API test kits are widely available, in stores or online (latter will be less expensive usually).  Get the API Master Combo liquid kit (as opposed to strips which are less reliable).  This kit contains pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
 
The GH (which refers to the general hardness of water) you can ascertain from your municipal water supplier.  Most have a website and water data is usually posted, or they can tell you if you call them.  Hardness refers to the mineral content of water; for purposes of our discussion, it is mainly calcium and magnesium, though other minerals can affect hardness.  These hard minerals are essential to livebearers and especially so to mollies.  They can manage for a time in soft water but eventually they succumb.  I'm not saying that is the issue here, but it is a factor that will affect your fish so it is worth sorting out.  I see you are in Canada, and unless you are out here in western BC your water is likely to be on the hard side rather than soft, but let's confirm.
 
The clamped fins is a bad sign, due to stress, water conditions, or other health problems.  The other molly picking on this one may be the issue.  But whenever we encounter fish problems, it is advisable to look into every possible factor before jumping to conclusions.
 
Byron.