Minnow

I have a very pregnant molly. I think she'll give birth very soon now, either tomorrow or the day after. I have her in a breeder net because the other mollied were chasing her around. The problem is that her scales are sticking up. I thought it might have something to do with how round she is, but I'm not sure anymore... is it normal for a pregnant molly to have raised scales? If not, is there anything I can do about it?

In case you are wondering, the parameters for the water are:

ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 20
pH: 7.2

I only recently got the nitrates down from 40, the tank was really overstocked, but we took back one of the blue gouramis, the male molly, and the other pregnant molly. All of my aquarium info is up-to-date.

Minnow

Right now she's resting on the bottom of the breeder net. She's not on her side or anything, she's upright, but she isn't swimming around. Is she sick, or is she going to give birth soon? I've never had a pregnant molly before, so I'm not sure what to expect, so forgive me if I'm asking questions with obvious answers. Also, I'm sorry for the double post, but I'd like answers quickly. I'm worried I've done something wrong

Edit: I just noticed that she has a small brown spot on the top of her head. It's the size of one of her pupils, to give you an idea. She's a white molly, and none of the others have one. Is it just a weird coloration, or is it something bad?

Alessa

Hey minnow.

Hi have had pregnant platies in the past... The scaling does not seem to be normal. (they look like a balloon, but the scales remain in their place).

The brown spot you mention does not seem to be normal either.

When they are about to give birth they do stay still in one place though.

Can you give her a water change? That makes them feel better sometimes... If the scales continue to stick out it might be Dropsy. Keep an eye on her and tell us how it goes.

Alessa

Lucy

How is she today?

Minnow

She is a little better today, she swam around a little at breakfast time, although she hasn't eaten anything since last night. I will give her a water change as soon as I get back from schook, hopefully that will help.

Thank you for your replies

Minnow

Well, I suppose I spoke too soon. She died a few hours before my dad got back, without ever giving birth We will miss her.

Lucy

I'm really sorry she's gone.

Minnow

Thanks. I really appreciate all of the advice and support you gave me, Lucy. I feel better knowing that if anything goes wrong with the rest of my fish, I will have answers at my fingertips.

Lucy

Your welcome.

Shadow Sichlid

Im sorry for your loss.. i think her death was because of a double batch. Swordtails and molly's can sometimes (but not usually) have 2 or 3 batches of baby's at once. so that could be why she is so big, they were tearing her apart. once again sorry for your loss its very sad.

Matt

Im Sorry To Hear That.

From Matt

Rachel937

If her scales were sticking out I bet it was dropsy. They get bloated and tend to look like pine cones. They die pretty quick, I think 24-48 hrs. I had a blue gourami that had dropsy. I read once their scales are sticking out its usually too late.