Is my molly pregnant or ill ?

[Freebird1402]

I recently placed one of mollys in a fry tank as I thought she was pregnant. We've had other mollys that have had babies, however this one is much bigger and looks like it could pop. I'm unsure due to the size if it is pregnant or whether it is unwell

 

[PygmyPepperJulli]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Unfortunantly, that Molly definitely doesn’t look pregnant. Looks like bloat, however I may be completely wrong as I’ve never experienced either live bearers or bloat.

1. Does it have any other symptoms of illness, eg. rapid breathing, pine coning scales?
2. What are your water parameters?

I would suggest a large water change, and possibly adding some salt to the water (research for proper dosage rates). I’ve also heard peas being used as a method of cure, but not sure.

Good luck, and hopefully someone more informed can help!

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I'm sorry, that fish has internal organ failure (commonly called dropsy) which is what's causing the terrible swelling. This fish should be euthanised, it will be suffering badly at this point, and it can't be helped. Dropsy is almost always fatal, but especially once it's reached this stage, there is no cure and it's a horrible way to go. Much better to be knocked on the head or euthanised with clove oil than to be left to pass like this.

You also don't want there to a chance of the other fish it is with, consuming the body if you leave it to die by itself. There are a number of things that can eventually lead to the organ failure you're seeing now, including something like a viral or bacterial infection, so consuming the body as fish do when one dies could further spread whatever bacteria/virus/protozoan the sick fish may have, and increase the chances of other fish becoming ill. If you cannot bring yourself to euthanise this molly, then isolate it away from other fish to prevent them consuming the body once she passes away.

I'm sorry to have to break bad news. Would be happy to give advice about the remaining fish if you're concerned about any of the others, in case there is something underlying that lead to this fish's problem.

 

[PygmyPepperJulli]

Agreed, if it is dropsy (I wasn’t sure, thanks Adorobella for all that info too) it should be euthanised. Also, seeming as OP said it’s in a fry tank, I’m assuming it’s by itself, so no worries about it being eaten by the other fish. Sorry for your loss, OP.

Did some quick research that might be helpful- Scientifically, the cause of the actual symptoms and organ failure is a type of bacteria called Aeromonas. This bacteria is present in your tank at all times, however your fish are only susceptible to it when their immune system is down. Bad immunity is often caused by is by poor water quality or long periods of high nitrates/nitrites/ammonia, stress, poor diet, or fluctuating water parameters such as temperature or pH.

I would suggest trying to find the cause of the dropsy to prevent it being spread to other fish- it’s most likely poor water quality, so a large water change, however it also could be a faulty heater. If it’s diet, which is the most unlikely, try adding some live food like bloodworms to their diet, or if your cheap like me breed some mosquito larvae, which are free.

 

[Ichthys]

Did some quick research that might be helpful- Scientifically, the cause of the actual symptoms and organ failure is a type of bacteria called Aeromonas.

Aeromonas is only one of several possible causes of organ failure.

I agree the fish is past saving.

Please don’t use fry boxes for adult fish. It’s the worst place to put a pregnant mother, and they cause a lot of stress.

 

[Freebird1402]

Thank you so much for all of your responses. I am going to do a water change this morning . In regards to pregnant fish ,do you separate yours or leave them as normal in the tank

 

[Ichthys]

The overriding instinct of a female about to give birth is to hide in the plants. Have some thick planting in the tank for her and the fry to hide in.

 

[emeraldking]

In regards to pregnant fish ,do you separate yours or leave them as normal in the tank

That depends on the kind of fish we are talking about. Overhere, I let those pregnant females drop their fry in the tank. Most of my livebearers leave their fry alone.
But yours ain't pregnant. She's got an internal problem.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I also prefer to leave gravid female livebearers (mollies, guppies, platies etc) in their main tank to give birth, and have lots of live plants for many reasons, but which are great holding places for the mother to give birth, and the fry to hide away until they're bigger.