Red Wag Platy -

Question
We have had our red wag platy for about 6 months.  (Don't know the gender.)  In the last week, we noticed that its abdomen is flat and it cannot swim as well as before.  (Its head is always above tail -- looks like it's swimming up at 45 degree angle.)  

Do you know what this might be and can we treat it?  Several weeks ago, one of our balloon mollies also developed this flat abdomen and died.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Ellen: Quite possibly it may be an internal parasite issue. There is something called Fish TB too that acts a lot like what you have described.  I would treat for internal parasites and see if that makes a difference.  There are other things that may be going on too.  Sometimes there is a vitamin/mineral deficiency that causes the spines to become malformed.  There could also be a spinal fracture from running into the glass.  Treat the fish for internal parasites... preferably with a medication that is eaten... JUNGLE makes a good med for this... let me know if the fish gets better and we will go from there.  dave