Psychlist1972

At first I thought this was some sort of chemical burn, but it has surved several regular water changes (a few weeks), and no other fish are affected. There's a crescent-shaped dark spot on one side, and a small dark spot on the opposite side. Any ideas?

Attached Images

	molly_dark_spot_01.jpg (248.3 KB, 32 views)
	molly_dark_spot_02.jpg (88.4 KB, 32 views)

Lucy

Just a guess, but I see the CAE is in the same tank. Sometimes they can get aggresive with other fish when lights are out.

Psychlist1972

@Lucy

Are you saying that's a possible cause of the black spots, or just a general observation?

I understand he/she'll probably get aggressive over time, but hasn't shown any tendency towards that yet (that I've seen, and I only peep in on them a bit after dark). Like most of my past fish purposes, I bought that one on the recommendation of the petco store clerk, without doing the right research on my own.

Pete

Lucy

I'm hoping he's a balloon molly?

It's a guess at the possible cause. He sure doesn't look like he's avoiding the CAE. I'd avoid something this was picking at me. lol

Is it possible it was there when you bought it?
Could he have scraped himself on a decorations?
Is your Molly acting and eating ok?
If so, at this point, just keep your eye on him.

Fish Stores are great with their advice aren't they?

AmongthePuffers

Isnt that the truth.



Ya, Ive heard CAE can actually latch onto fish with their mouth and bite them, or something like that. Would a bite mark look like that? Im not too sure.

Lucy

They don't actually bite them. They latch on and suck. More often with larger fish like angels goldfish etc.
Many times it's attributed to lack of proper diet as their nutritional needs change as they get older.

Psychlist1972

@Lucy

At the PetCo today, the sales person in the fish section was helping a guy out by telling him to do a 20% water change every 3-4 weeks, and since he couldn't figure out what filter cart he had, to take it out and bring it in to the store to ID (it was the only cart he had)

She also sold him (I talked him out of it when rep was away) the biggest container of tropical flakes I've ever seen. The thing was like the old quaker oats boxes we used to turn into drums. I think even goldfish would look at it and say it was too much

@PufferofDoom

The size looks about right, but without dental records I don't think I could line up the marks

The CAE in that tank honestly is very friendly so far. It always comes to the front of the tank and watches me when I come by. I keep him/her well fed, and the mollies love to eat off the same plate (sinking tab).


Yes, both mollies are balloon mollies. Eating is fine. Behavior is fine. They're pretty funny to watch. Reminds me of don rickles as a fish with that funny scrunched up face.

Pete

Lucy

Whew, otherwise, I was going to say that's one bloated molly.
lol @ Don Rickles.

Do some research, I believe as they mature they'll eat less algae and their diet will change. I'm sorry, I don't remember exactly what their needs will be.

AmongthePuffers

lol, i suppose we would need some dental records wouldnt we?
well, It sounds like everyone seems to get along. but who knows.

aquarist48

Good morning. I'm leaning towards believing the fish has scraped itself on something as Lucy mentioned. I don't think I'd worry too much at this point and just keep checking on it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. Fish are a lot more hardy than we give them credit for sometimes.
It sure is a beautiful fish.
Best of luck
Ken

Psychlist1972

Thanks Ken, Lucy and all

Pete