TO BE CRUEL OR TO BE KIND?

[asoftuk]

Ok i have a dilema and i hope for some advice on it so your opinion counts here.

I have a fair few Young mollies in my community tanks and i have noticed one is not at all right.

Description of the problem.

It is about 2 months old and looks just like a normal mollie, the problem is that instead of having a normal straight mid and back section it actually bends towards the bottom of the tank at a 45 degree angle. When it swims it swims on its side and swims very erraticaly.

!!!The Dilema!!!

Do i do one of two things???
1) Let it live out it's life in this deformed state living a substandard quality of life?
2) Put it out of its misery cleanly and quickly so it does not have to suffer for the rest of its life.?


Any advice or your views on this would be greatfully recieved

 

[Sasha]

Is it possible that your molly has dropsy? With that disease, their backs drop downward and sometimes they look bloated. How long has he been like that? What are your water quailities?

 

[gadazobe]

Difficult choice and I really wouldn't like to be in your position. In the wild there would be no question about it - survival of the fittest and if she couldn't fend for herself then she would be either eaten or die. In captivity it's different - food is supplied on a regular basis, there are no predators, life is relatively easy, so back to your question. Thinking about it, I would leave her be - if she can eat normally and doesn't seem in pain, then I'd leave her. Does she lay in one place without moving, seem distressed (losing colour, not eating, clamped fins etc...) then I'd think of euthenasia. As I said, difficult dilema but I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I would euthenize it, for me and the fish. If the fish can't even swim properly then I would do it for the fish. I would do it for selfish reasons as well because I don't want to see that kind of thing in my tank. As Gadazobe said, if the fish is eating and living then it's personal choice.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I'd give it a chance, done alright so far.

 

[asoftuk]

Is it possible that your molly has dropsy? What are your water quailities?

No signs of dropsy have been seen now in the tank for over 4 months. Tank ph kh etc, are all at relevant levels and are tested every few days for changes.

I think it is just a case of inter-breeding.

I am going to leave her alone for a while but keep my eyes on her to see how she develops. If i think she is suffering then i will reluctantly end her suffering.

I will keep you posted on this and how she develops.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Pointy_kitty]

Is it possible that your molly has dropsy? What are your water quailities?

No signs of dropsy have been seen now in the tank for over 4 months. Tank ph kh etc, are all at relevant levels and are tested every few days for changes.

I think it is just a case of inter-breeding.

I am going to leave her alone for a while but keep my eyes on her to see how she develops. If i think she is suffering then i will reluctantly end her suffering.

I will keep you posted on this and how she develops.

Thanks for the advice.

i am so sorry to say this but i would strongly reccoment euthanasia
the "bending fish" deformity is becoming a problem where i am
it is commonly mistaken for TB
what will happen is the mutated fish will breed passing it on to more fish generations, shortening ther life significantly
and if she is not able to swim properly then just end it now
she won't have any idea if you euthanize right
its as quick as a blink
she's swimming then she's netted and in a matter of seconds (depending on how you euthanize) she's gone
no pain
to fuss
nothing