Skinny molly

[Lynz781]

I have had a male yellow lyretail molly for about two months now and he seems rather skinny. He gets excited when I feed but he doesnt seem to feed well. He spits alot of things out. I rarely see him poo. It's nothing compared to my female molly who poos a gigantic long poo. He's active and seems pretty normal apart from recently, where he has taken to laying on the gravel like he's resting. Or possibly hiding from Dwarf Flame gourami who doesnt like him. I really think he would benefit from a littlle salt but I have cories so thats a no no.
He looks really skinny...........
So what do you guys think?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I would see if you can check out what color his poo is; if its white/stringy he probably has an internal bacterial infection.

 

[Lynz781]

sometimes it is, but has actual poo in it too. I mean like you know how sausages are covered in skin? Well he poos out the skin and sometimes it has "sausage meat" and sometimes it doesn't.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

hmm, pale/white colored poo and a skinny fish usually denote internal bacteria as these are common symtoms of it; i would try treating with Interpets "anti internal bacteria" and see if he clears up a bit; what are your water stats(ammonia/nitrate/nitrite) as if they are amiss that could also be why he's so skinny as a fish that don't feel well or are in less than ok water conditions will often not eat properly.

 

[Lynz781]

Water Stats. are fine, Everyone else is happy. Do you think I could give him some salt in a separate tank? What do I do if I do?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you can give him some salt in a spare tank that doesn't have any salt intolerant fish in it, that would probably do him some good as mollys in generaly although can be kept in total freshwater, they do prefer a bit of salt in their water and so it would probably help him a bit.
What are you feeding him right now at the mo?

 

[Lynz781]

I have a spare hospital tank I could put him in for a while with some water from the main tank. So I'll have to buy aquarium salt? Just now I feed them flakes, tetraprima complete granules, algae tablets, and for treats they get brine shrimp and bloodworms in jelly. Ocasionally peas when I remember.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Im not sure about what type of salt but i think theres some articles on the forum somwhere about salt; mollys don't need salt to survive or live happily like most brackish fish, but adding a small amount does help them alot apparently especially when treating deseases apparently.
Your fish diet is very good, i would keep up especially with the peas and high protein foods like the bloodworms as this will give him a good digestive systme and the energy to overcome the illness