jabob21us

My molly's scales are all puffed out (reminds me of when a cat gets all excited and bristles their hair out). Some of them seem to be falling off, and there's a red spot on top of its head. Any ideas on what this may be?

aquarist48

Sorry to hear your fish is ill. I'm afraid it's reached a pine cone stage (dropsy) which is not good. What are your water perimeters? ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate?

Lucy

I'm really sorry.
Pine coning is a symptom dropsy which in most cases is fatal.
Can you post a pic of it?
It would be a good idea to put him in a q tank and separate him from the other fish.

jabob21us

How do I post a pic

nevermind, coming soon...

jabob21us

Ok, nitrite and ammonia at 0. Here's some pics:

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Amanda

Yeah, it'se def. pine coning.
I'm sorry your molly is ill.

jabob21us

So, were we just not paying close enough attention? Are there symptoms to notice before this stage?

Amanda

Here's some info on the causes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_Dropsy

jabob21us

Thanx for the help, all. Well. . My husband has been putting off setting up our old tank as a back up and plant aquarium. I have nowhere to put it right now.

Amanda

Do you have a small container than you can fill with water & float in the tank?

jabob21us

oooo, good idea, thanx!

jabob21us

Will this do?

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Lucy

That should be fine. Along with Amanda's link, he's some additional info:
Dropsy

agabr123

i'm sorry your molly is sick