Bloated stomach or??

[supersmirky]

One of my molly's is having a problem and seems to float at the top of the aquarium. Looks like a large air bubble in her stomach or near her anal fin.

When I put in food, she eats just fine but most of time just stays at the top floating on her side.

What should i do?? What could it be?

[tsunderl]

I had one do the same as you are describing. First, isolate her from the others so they don't pick on her and stress her out. Seems like mollies stress easily.

I had a molly that was having problems birthing and I could see four to five egg sacs still attached to her that were outside her body. If yours is doing the same, you may try a pinch of Epsom Salt in her water to see if it will help her deliver. Give that a couple of hours. If there's no results, you can gently massage her abdomen and see if that helps. I talked with a guy who raises mollies and he said mine may have got spooked by something, causing her to have her babies before they were ready.

Unfortunately, there's not really a whole lot more that can be done but make her comfortable and to be honest, since she's floating, the outcome may not be positive. Best of luck and keep us informed.

[supersmirky]

Yeah, I will try that. I have a 10 gallon that I can set up for Iso. Is a pinch of epson good for that size tank?

I am really surprised she lasted this long because she has done this for maybe a month. I really didn't know what was wrong with her.

[greeneyed]

Maybe:
Swim Bladder Disease (SBD)
Causes: Indigestion, not being given time to adjust to water temp. before being added to a new tank, extreme constipation.

Symptoms: Bloating, may float. Difficulty swimming correctly or upright; tips over. Cannot keep their balance.

Treatments: Salt bath (Only if you know what you're doing and only in emergencies). Fast them for a few days (up to 4). After fasting, make sure they have more variety in their diet and are not being overfed. Quinine Sulfate.

[supersmirky]

Yes...mine exhibits all that. Thanks for that info. Looks like I am quarantining tonight!

[fishyjoe24]

i agree that it's sbd too. that what i was going to say anyway.