Sick Dalmatian Molly

Basically, I have a Dalmatian molly that just shimmers on the bottom of the tank all day, sometimes not moving at all. She gets up to eat, and sometimes manages to swim to the surface, but rapidly falls back down to the bottom.

I thought she might have worms, as one of my albino corydoras catfish did, but that hasn't fixed her behaviour.

All water levels are great at the moment, and the temperature is kept at around 23-24 degrees Celsius to cater for the catfish, as well.

I can't measure GH, but should I? She has no visible signs of disease, but I have no idea how all of a sudden the GH could have changed?

Please let me know if you have had an experience like this or know what could be wrong with her. I have had her for over 2 years and she had been great until now.

Thanks!

Water quality parametres:

pH: 7.2
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 5.0ppm

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UPDATE: The tip of her caudal fin is a bit off colour (brown), so she might have an addition fungal infection? Or it might be a result of something else. Will start treating her with Primafix after this tank clean to get rid of the worms.

 

was this gradual? it could be old age. something similar happened to a 3yr old betta fish I had a couple years back. it was gradual over the course of 2 months. the last 2 weeks was how you described. if it is old age, just keep her in there so she's comfortable. increase the oxygen levels in the tank.

it could be swim bladder disease/ disorder. I haven't had much experience with mollies.

if shes still going for food, I doubt she's sick

sorry I wish I had more experience with mollies so I could give something more useful

 

was this gradual? it could be old age. something similar happened to a 3yr old betta fish I had a couple years back. it was gradual over the course of 2 months. the last 2 weeks was how you described. if it is old age, just keep her in there so she's comfortable. increase the oxygen levels in the tank.

it could be swim bladder disease/ disorder. I haven't had much experience with mollies.

if shes still going for food, I doubt she's sick

Ow, I hope it isn't old age. I have heard that mollies live (on average) for about 4 years, but I guess it depends on how long she was at the pet store I bought her from. I have looked into swim bladder disease, but am not sure what might have caused it, and why she hadn't been getting better? Will keep researching in the mean time. Thanks for your input!

 

poor genetics may cause lifespan to shorten

and no problem! hope you can figure it out

 

poor genetics may cause lifespan to shorten

Yes, very true. The place I got her from was a family owned pet store, so they might not have had very good stock to start with. Thanks for alerting me towards the possibility of old age though - it hadn't really crossed my mind until now. Just wish I could make her more comfortable, if that is the case.

 

if she becomes in pain, you can use clove oil to euthanize her. otherwise, increase the oxygen levels, dI'm the lights a bit, and keep her relaxed.

 

Was wondering if KH & GH might be an issue? Unable to currently test it, but if others agree I might be able to get a test kit and some Seachem Equilibrium if the problem is there. If not old age.

Really need to get to the bottom of this issue - I would appreciate all input, thanks.

 

I don't know much about mollies. hopefully, someone with more experience in molly fish will post here.