Not Sure What To Make Of Dalmation Molly

[Khanna]

My mollies are usually rather active, but this one is having some problems. He's not keen on using the backside of his body...he's using those front fins but not his tail at all. He seems pretty frantic to stay at the top near the heater..but he's always been a heater junkie, even though the temperature is appropriate. I think I caught him flashing a few days ago. I don't see any visual problems (aside from the lack of use of his posterior). Water parameters are fine.  I'm at a loss, sigh.

 

[Khanna]

Also I just noticed that the beginning of his tail is blue (?!). Fungal infection..?

 

[fluttermoth]

What are the actual numbers from your tests, Khanna?
 
Do you know how old he is? Very old fish, especially livebearers, do seem to get like that at the end.

 

[Khanna]

Nitrites- 0
Nitrates- 0
Ammonia- 0
 
No, but he was the largest molly. I bought four and gave two away, and he was by far the largest.
The other thing is he had a string of feces, so should I just keep my tank off of food for a few days to help constipation? He was the only one with this symptom.
Also he seems a little more activee today.

 

[fluttermoth]

It's very odd for a tank to be showing zero nitrate; is it a new tank? Is it cycled? What are you using to do the tests?
 
Always, if a fish looks 'not right', you should do a very large water change (75 or 80%), making sure the new water is warmed and dechlorinated, of course. Even if your tests look good, there's always a chance there's something we can't/don't test for being present.
 
If you can try and get him to eat some frozen bloodworm or some cooked pea, that would help clear his gut, in case he is constipated.
 
You could also think about adding some aquarium salt, if you have any, and as long as you don't have fish who dislike salt (tetras, corydoras).
 
Good that he seems more active today; best of luck with him; do let us know how he gets on

 

[Khanna]

Hmmm...I came back from rehearsal and he was sitting on his side and at bottom breathing heavily...I turned on the light and he flipped onto his stomach so now he's just laying there.
Oh! Whoops, I meant 20 nitrate.
I'll do a water change and let you know.

 

[Khanna]

Water change done, filter change done. The current of water pushed him into a corner on rocks.  He's not moving.
Edit: I can't use salt, seeing as I have some cories..that are attacking his tail! Oh my goodness..and the other molly attacked him a few minutes ago.

 

[fluttermoth]

When you say, 'filter change', what, exactly do you mean?

 

[DJH584]

Are its gills and mouth moving? I.e. does it still appear to be alive?
 
You say that it is the largest molly, would it also be the oldest?

 

[Khanna]

Flutter- Monthly filter cartridge change.
DJ- Yes, he's alive. Albeit straining.  And yes, I would assume.
Every time he takes a breath, he blinks.