Molly Developing New Black Spots - Pictures Included

[studmaster]

Hello everyone,

I have had a yellow/golden male molly for about 4-6 months now. In the last few weeks he has been developing black spots on his tail and side fins. They don't look like a disease or anything but I wanted your opinions. I did start feeded my molly better food with "cromacolor" that is supposed to bring out the colour more. I don't know if thise could be doing it or not.

Any thoughts? My water quality is perfect with Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate=<10.

I have had a couple unexplained deaths in my fish tank in the last 3 weeks. No real signs or symptons, just a dead molly.

Here are some pictures of the molly I'm concerned about.

Thanks in advance for any help

[Zagz]

It could very well be a natural colorization. Nice pics btw. If she is eating the same and acting the same I would guess it is nothing to be too concerned about. Just keep an eye on her and keep your water the way you have been.

[rich311k]

That is a very pretty fish. I dont think you have anything to worry about. Probably natural coloring as Zagz said.

[studmaster]

Thanks, it's sometimes hard to get a decent picture with reflections, etc.

So even though this is a mature fish and is just developing the black spots now, you don't think there is much to worry about? I would hate to lose this one on something I could possibly fix.

[studmaster]

-opps double post, sorry

[rich311k]

I think its just natural coloring coming out. Probably some black mollies in his breeding lines.

[Zagz]

It certainly doesn't look like an illness, you can think of it similar to people in this regard, our bodies continue to change as we get older, why not fish?

[studmaster]

I can agree that fish will change size and appearance, it's just the speed at which the spots developed were over about 3-4 weeks. The only thing that I have really changed was feeding them different food.

I'm also almost certain that there are black mollies in his breeding lines because the store that I buy them at have a lot of similar mollies, with some black in them.

Are there any possible diseases that would have these kinds of black spots as a sign?

[Florida8]

I think it's natural color change with age as well, I have had this happen in the past, and since you said you added color enhancing food, somehting might have sparked it... but I have had fish do this as well, looks great and super healthy.

Beautiful fish BTW

[studmaster]

Thanks, I do think he looks very healthy, and I hope it's only just a natural color change in combination with the new color enhancing food.

Thanks for everyones help!