FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I'm not sure if my molly is sick or not. Eats well, swims around fine however, near the dorsal fin and right side it looks like he's "molting" for lack of a better word. It's hard to distinguish in the pictures, but it appears that he's shedding some scales and they're transparent to almost white in colour. I don't believe it's ick because it is not granular in shape. My tank is currently still in the cycling process and my readings are:
ammonia 0
nitrites .5
nitrates 0
http://www.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=36765149/a=39434870_39434870/t_=39434870

Any ideas? Thanks so much


*Mitch*

As for your fish, I cannot really say, as it is hard to see in that pic. Butit could be an injury with fungus starting. Of an injury with a bacterial infection starting. And since the fish is probably under some stress, due to the fact he is cycling your tank and in a hostile environment at present, its immune system is probably decreased.

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Thanks for replying Acidrain! As he is in a community tank, should I attempt to treat him or leave him alone? I have some Melafix, Furan-2, Maracyn-2 and Aquarisol on hand as well as some aquarium salt. My fish load in my semi-planted tank is:
4 guppies
2 swordtails
2 platies
3 danios
2 balloon mollies
1 otto
Unfortunately, I have no hospital tank set up in which to put him in.


*Mitch*

You have a lot of fish in that tank while it is still cycling.

But as for treatment, I would not treat for bacterial until I thought it was more likely that type of infection, if it is an infection at all. Melafix won't hurt though. IMO, I would dose with Melafix, and wait to see if it gets worse. Then start a medication treatment.

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...