Question About Dalmation Lyre Tail Molly

[skeeterjo]

Hello,
I am new at fish ownership -- we just purchased three mollies and one platy for our four children. We have them in a 10 gallon tank that was cycled before we added them. I believe all four are female, and believe at least two of them are pregnant. One already had fry (three had made it for about a week, and then one day we didn't see anymore fry at all). Our Dalmation Lyre Tail Molly (we think she is one of the preg ones) has developed several red/rust-colored spots on her upper torso -- around her front fins and under the front part of her tummy. I was wondering if this can be a normal coloration, or if she could have some sort of problem. She is eating well (she seems famished at every feeding), and is active. Her belly has really been growing, although she is not looking like she will burst yet. Please help me figure out if something is wrong, or if she could just have this coloring normally.
Thanks,
Skeeterjo

 

[blitztidus]

A picture would be great, but if not possible, does it look like a little bit of orange here and there? if so, it is just coloring that has been past down through genes. It is quite common acctually, SECOND, I must empasize on this. A ten gallon tank is TOO small for mollies and platies. Mollies can grow up to 4 inches and should have at least a 20 gallon tank!

 

[ArcticLancer]

While I'm also not too sure about any possible diseases, I will second Blitz's note about the tank size. Mollys just won't enjoy a 10 gallon tank. Plain and simple, they just get too big for them, and mollys can be affected to a great degree by cramped conditions.
If it's an option, look into taking them back to the store (I doubt you want to upgrade to a larger tank right away, so that's why I suggest this) and invest in something smaller.

Platys, however, are fine in a tank that small (4-5 max, though I admit, I'm currently overstocked while taking care of the one my girlfriend had purchased), and don't grow too large. I'll tell you first hand that they're an incredibly entertaining fish, with loads of personality, and children should enjoy them.

That's just my suggestion though, and it may be slightly biased with platys being my favorite fish. Of course, with them being so great, there's reason behind it too.