Sick Balloon Mollie

Question
I have a dalmation Balloon Mollie and today I noticed he/she is swimming off balance and not really comming near me, kind of hiding in the back. I added aquariaum salt. Looks like a piece of clear string is on top of the top fin?? I dont know what to do, I am worried what disease does this sound like?

Answer
Hi Kristen
My apologies in the delay in answering your question, have been having computer problems.  First, I'd try checking the water quality-make sure your ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm, and nitrates under 20 ppm.  Hard to say without further info, and especially the water quality readings, tank size, other fish in the tank, etc.  It's possible it's a bacterial infection, possibly columnaris, it could also be something irritating the skin and the clear string is excess slime coat production.  Can't make a definite diagnosis without more info.  But, definitely check the water quality first, a lot of times that's the cause of problems, and is usually easily corrected.

Christy