Fuzzy Looking Fish

ldymcbeth6

ldymcbeth6

AC Members
Jan 21, 2008
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Illinois
Here are pictures of my molly. I've had ich before and it doesn't really look like that. He was fine this morning and then when I fed him tonight he had patches of white that looks a bit raised and maybe fuzzy. I thought it might be body fungus, but I'd like a second opinion. If it is what do I do? I have two snails, two shrimp and two half grown dalmation mollies in this tank.

Fuzzy Molly 001.jpg Fuzzy Molly 002.jpg Fuzzy Molly 003.jpg Fuzzy Molly 004.jpg
 
It's difficult to determine. My guess is glossatella and possibly costia. Does it rub around decorations? Formalin can treat both diseases but formalin is also dangerous as it is carcinogenic so use it with caution.

Edit: You'll need an airpump as formalin can seriously deplete the tank of its oxygen. Treatment must be done in a spare tank and dose by 2 drops per gallon.
 
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Are those contagious? Should I worry about the babies? Can my snails and shrimp get it? The tank is only 15 gallons minus the rocks, etc.
 
ldymcbeth6 said:
Are those contagious? Should I worry about the babies? Can my snails and shrimp get it? The tank is only 15 gallons minus the rocks, etc.
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Your snails and shrimps cannot contract it. Your other fish can contract them if they become stressed as well. The glossatella is caused by protozoans whereas the costia is caused by external flagellates which are secondary parasites that will appear once the fish is severely weakened.

Get the invertebrates out of your tank if you consider treating with formalin. That's all I think will help you from your situation. Good luck and fingers crossed for you.:)

Beth, I did mention I have difficulty identifying it because it seemed to me a mixed infection so I can only offer you information that I know will help you.
 
What are your water parameters? Mollies are very prone to this sort of thing in soft water.
 
Water parameters are: ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 20. I normally fill with tap water unless it tests for ammonia. My tap is pretty hard although I haven't tested it for a while and I don't add salt.

pH is around 8, I never messed with it since I'd heard that changing your pH makes one more cycle you have to keep up with all the time.

I used chemical treatments for ich once and not only were they unsuccessful, but I lost all the fish, mostly from the chemicals, I think. The salt/heat works so much better! I hate to use formalin, but if that's what it takes, that's what it takes.

Whatever it is, I'm wondering if I transferred it into my betta tank. He's not interested in his food this morning and that's never happened. I'm pretty good about not using my equipment in both tanks, but I did use the same vaccuum last week. Figures.
 
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