Trying to figure out what's going on with my Molly's and Swordtail. My Black Molly appears to have its belly area deflated and "sits" on the bottom. My Silver Molly swims/treads vertically and also appears to have its belly area deflated. My swordtail won't get off the bottom and appears to have his belly deflated.
Everyone else in the community appear to be doing fine.
All chemistry levels in the tank are within my test kits guidelines except for Nitrate (I've asked how to reduce under separate question). Not too far over 40ppm though.
I'd consider my tank's up-keep fairly good so I'm thinking it's not a water chemistry issue.
My fish keeping books only mention fish diseases that deal with visible parasites.
I caught a brief article on swim bladder infections. I don't have a lot of experience with disease other than the usual (ick).
Can anyone please be so kind as to elaborate? Maybe with a diagnosis or treatment recommendation?
Thank you kindly.
2007-05-21 13:19:19 · 5 answers · asked by Popnfresh 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
G makes a good point, you can't test everything and it's always possible that something in the water is involved anytime you have sick fish.
This is quite possibly a case of intestinal parasites however. It could be worms, or could be a protozoan infestation, but the most common cause would be worms. Paracide-X is an effective treatment for many of the worms, Metronidazole (Flagyl) is effective, but only if you use a very strong dip or can feed it to the fish. You can do that by making your own medicated feed. Praziquantel is also an effective treatment. Probably the easiest treatment to find and use as well as being very effective is Clout. If your store doesn't sell it ask them to get it for you or you can order from many places on the web.
Here's a link to a rather scientific page about internal parasites and their treatment. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_FA041
If you have additional questions feel free to email me.
MM
2007-05-21 14:33:59 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the fish would be bloated if they had a swim bladder infection. if their bodies are sunken, they probably are not eating. the lethargic fish may getting picked on so keep an eye on them to see if there is any chasing going on or if there are any ragged fins. Live-bearers (mollies, platies, swordtails, guppies) all like about a 1-3 tsp of non-iodized salt in their water. they will usually perk up instantly after adding it to their water.
2007-05-21 14:30:41 · answer #2 · answered by zip 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with swim bladder they usually float at an angle at the top and are bloated.
my first line of defense with any fish problem is change a good portion the water. the whole water chemistry thing is so over-rated. "all my fish are dead but the ammonia/nitrate/nitrite levels are fine" is way too common.
2007-05-21 13:29:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister's goldfish had it, and it kept him from swimming straight. He 'wobbled' in the water, almost half floating on his side, and then he'd get upright and swim, and then float on his side for a bit.
We didn't know what to do, but I had heard somewhere (and my brother's gf is a vet. assistant, she heard it too) that if you feed them frozen peas, it helps. I don't know the explanation as to WHY it helps, but we tried it, and voila! they started swimming properly again.
I hope this helps. Good luck to your fish!
2007-05-21 13:25:28 · answer #4 · answered by leeseylou2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fish might be emaciated, not have swim bladder disease. Feed it more.
2007-05-21 15:25:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋