My molly lost head scales?

Question

Well, I took a close look at my Molly, and it looks like the top of her head is missing some scales, everywhere else is orange (she's a Creamsicle Lyretail Molly) she is fine and acts normal, it's just that she's missing a few scales on the top of her head. I was just getting a little worried. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Test your nitrite and ammonia levels.  If they are high it would explain the scales.  Does your tank have salt in it?  If not Molly's like one tablespoon of aquarium salt per gallon in their tank.  They don't need it but it does help ward of disease, decrease scaling problems with nitrite and reduceing stress levels.  So I would think about adding more.  Just be careful if you have fish with out scales as they do not like salt.  I do a tablespoon per 3-4 gallons unless their are issues then I add a little more for my fish.  I would do a partial water change no matter what as you are noticing a problem which may save your molly's life if you work on fixing it early.

Good luck

Answer 2

You need to check your ammonia, nitrate, and ph levels. High levels of ammonia can cause fish to become sick and loose scales. I would raise the temp(slowly) up to @80-82 degrees and add some aquarium salt. This will help your molly if you caught it in time. I hope she gets well soon!

Answer 3

Do you have a chinese algae eater by any chance?

I had one of those, and he sucked a couple of scales off my swordtails head.

But then again, your fish might have a parasite, and is scratching itself, and scales have been scratched off.. Check for ich.

Answer 4

test your water and make sure all the parameters and nitrates are at normal levels and then also watch your fish for a few days in case one of your fish is a bully.