Molly Flicking Against Leaves!

Hi Mervyn 

Im not too good at helping people with fishy troubles, but I have mollies so I can tell you how things go my end if thats any help? If someone with more fishkeeping experience comes along with any advice, then please listen to them and not me!

I too have read that flicking can be a sign of whitespot. However, I sometimes get a molly or two do this and it has not been whitespot (so far, touch wood). Therefore, I wouldnt treat for it unless you see signs of it. Besides, it is generally advised not to "randomly" treat with medication "just in case" - you should be sure of what you are treating and get the correct meds accordingy.

With regards to their "wobbly swimming fashion" - could this be shimmying? Again, my mollies do this sometimes and it is because of the soft water here. They prefer the water harder, especially black mollies. In fact, I think they like to have salt in the water - but that is way beyond my understanding.

I once read an article that stressed clean water is the key for mollies. I used to change about 35% water every week (hoovering the gravel), with a mid-week 20% - 25% water only and the filter cleaned monthly. I would still do this if it wasnt for my tap water (long story!) So now I frustratingly do only 25% every week (hoovering the gravel) and every so often I do 50% to try to make up for it.

Hope this helps 

Hi,
Thanks Chucklett and Sue,

Thanks for the advice. The more I watch them the more I just think they are really eccentric fish

My son has some silver mollies, and he tells me his behave in a very similar way. So I will keep a watching brief and see how it goes.

They are certainly fish with character, and also very nosey fish. I may be just a touch paranoid as I want to make sure all the fish get the best care that I can give them.