How to Spot a Dying Molly Fish?

The death of a Molly Fish is an unbearable loss to any fish keeper. However, if you know the signs of a dying Molly Fish, you may be mentally ready for the tough time coming ahead.

Identifying which molly fish is dying is quite simple. You can notice a dying fish decreasing its appetite, hiding, acting melancholy, shivering, or shimmying. Simply said, when your molly fish is performing differently than usual, that’s a sign that something is wrong.

A molly fish is dying if it exhibits these symptoms:

During its last days, Molly fish won’t consume as much as it formerly did.
Mollies that are dying will show dis-coloration and often seem pale.
The fish will have trouble breathing and will thus lie at the bottom of the aquarium.
Mollies that are dying are remarkably inactive; some of them won’t even swim. While some will sluggishly keep swimming, others will just lie down at the bottom of the tank.
A sick molly could develop antisocial behavior, avoiding the other fish and preferring to remain hidden.

Vertically swimming molly fish is not necessarily in their last days. However, that could be a precursor to stress, which can worsen over time. That’s why I strongly advise doing everything you can to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

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Do Mollies Sink or Float after their Death?

Mollies are heavier and denser than the water therefore they sink after their death. However, after some time, their swollen dead bodies float on the water’s surface.

You should immediately remove the dead fish from the aquarium in order to avoid smell and diseases.

Related Post: Why Is My Molly Swimming Vertically?

How do you Help a Dying Fish?

When you observe the death signs in your Molly Fish the least you can do is to provide as much comfort as you can. You can ensure clean water, a safe environment away from other bully fish, and a calm place with very less lights and no noise.

What Motivates Molly Fish to Surface for Air?

Since Molly Fish cannot breathe underwater, they must surface to take a breath. They do, however, possess a unique organ called the Labyrinth that enables them to take in oxygen from the water and expel carbon dioxide. Molly fish must continue swimming because of this.

When is the best time to Euthanize your Fish?

Euthanizing, as brutal as it seems can become sometimes necessary. In my opinion, a fish dying from a natural death should never be euthanized. However, in extreme cases like Dropsy, Tetra, or any other severe disease, it is merciful to euthanize your poor fish.

The Bottom Line on How to Spot a Dying Molly Fish?

“When it comes to spotting a dying Molly fish is to keep an eye out for any unusual behavior or physical symptoms. Some common signs of a dying fish include lethargy, lack of appetite, abnormal swimming patterns, and visible signs of disease such as spots or discoloration on the skin. It’s also important to maintain proper water conditions, such as the right pH levels, temperature, and cleanliness, as well as provide a suitable diet. By keeping a close eye on your Molly fish and addressing any issues that arise promptly, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your fish.”