Molly fish are a freshwater fish species native to parts of South and North America. They are very popular with aquarium owners because they are social, relatively easy to care for and come in fascinating colors. Molly fish show unique attributes such as swimming circles, camouflage, and even changing colors. In addition, these fish are knowledgeable and can even learn tricks, such as pushing a ball into the center of an object floating in their tank. But do you know why Molly fish swim in circles?
Your Molly fish swim in circles when there is sudden ammonia poisoning in the tank or suffer from swim bladder disorder. Also, sometimes these fish want to escape the ammonia poisoning that is burning their skin, thus they start to swim in circles or just try to jump out of the tank.
In this post, we will explore more about Molly fish and the swimming habits of this fish.
Will Molly Fish Swim In Circles?
Yes, Molly fish sometimes swim in circles, but it is not their normal swimming pattern. Do not let them swim in circles just because you cannot see anything wrong with them. Most of the time, the invisible trauma or disease is responsible for your fish to behave out of order.
Molly fish is one of the simplest beginner fish. Hence acting rashly out of the blue is something you need to worry about. These fish only swim weirdly when they are courting the female for reproduction.
Also, molly fish tankmates can do a number of them and make them behave differently each time. Otherwise, they are normal fish with no definite swimming pattern out of the ordinary.
Thus, if you ever find them swimming in circles, call your vet immediately and ask why. I have listed some of the reasons below, and most of the time, it is one of those reasons.
Swimming Pattern Of Molly Fish
Molly fish are very active and energetic swimmers and have different swimming patterns in various circumstances.
They are quite weird and swim rapidly in a figure-eight pattern when hungry. Or you will just find them swimming slowly in a lazy figure-eight pattern when resting. Molly fish are tropical fish that will often show the same characteristics as most tropical aquatic animals.
The most common one is when your Molly fish move their tail from side to side while swimming. This swimming pattern fuels the movement of its dorsal fin, giving the impression that it is standing on tiptoes. However, they will stop moving when Molly feels scared of something.
Molly fish have a unique way of swimming from the other types of fish. They move their dorsal and caudal fins in an opposite direction while swimming. This gives a very positive impression to onlookers that Molly has it’s head up and tail down.
How Does Molly Swim Normally?
Molly fish swim smoothly in the top and mid part of the tank and generally in a straight line. They also use their tail fins to propel themselves forward rather than use the entire water body around them.
Molly fish are also famous for their ability to swim vertically or diagonally. These fish can also speed up very quickly when chasing something or when other fish chase them.
They have a flap-like tail, which they use as a rudder, and it helps them turn quicker than other types of fish.
It’s not unusual for Mollies to jump either. Your fish have extraordinary jumping abilities and can change directions quickly. Did you ever find your Molly swimming up and down or side by side? Well, that is some of the quite common ways.
Isn’t Molly so fascinating that you want to take them home immediately and watch them swim all day? I could not resist myself when I first saw them.
They are just so beautiful and full of themselves that nothing else matters, and nothing can get as peaceful as watching them swim in the aquarium. Fishkeeping leaves me in awe every time I talk about it or just spend my day staring at the aquarium.
Why Do Molly Fish Swim In Circles?
Molly fish can live up to five years without having like their world is coming to an indefinite end. However, times, moments, situations, and surroundings will make your fish go nuts and give you headaches.
Don’t worry; molly fish is a very hardy tropical freshwater pet that requires little upkeep from its owners when caretaking.
I am not scaring you about how things can turn. But things can go sour when you do not give any little attention to your aquarium pet.
Molly fish are fascinating fish to watch them swim. However, if you watch them constantly, you might sometimes notice them swimming in circles.
Hence, learning about their swimming pattern and why your molly fish is starting to swim in circles is quite important. But don’t you think we need to work on things that actually give Molly the freedom to live a good life?
Swim Bladder Disorder
You probably already have the idea about this reason. But, most of the time, the change in swimming patterns comes from a problem in the swim bladder of a fish.
Honestly, have you ever been in a situation where your fish is swimming upside down suddenly? If not, I hope you never face it. But let me tell you how it happens. Your molly fish probably ate too much or something they cannot digest.
Hence, they start bloating, probably making it hard for the swim bladder to function. The accumulation of air and pressure makes it hard for the swim bladder to function properly and turn the fish upside down. They cannot balance themselves properly without the support of a swim bladder.
Similarly, this swim bladder disorder in molly fish can also cause them to swim in circles. They cannot grasp the situation and feels uncomfortable swimming properly. So, your fish starts acting up to do something to keep themselves active and make it all go away.
I always felt it was something like a dog trying to catch its tail. But in the case of molly fish, it is so much different and scary. I just hope your fish is healthy enough and is acting harshly due to some other simpler reasons.
Illness
Molly fish who are suffering from an illness will swim in circles. Their fins are damaged so badly that they do not allow Molly Fish to swim normally anymore.
So these fish start swimming in a circle instead of trying something that is not possible for Molly Fish anymore.
Molly fish are quite strong fish despite their small size. They can swim for quite a long time without taking breaks. However, you need to understand and check closely if they suffer from any illness or damage to the fins.
Won’t you walk weirdly if you have an injury in your leg? Understand this, and please monitor your fish closely before doing anything else.
To Locate Food
Molly fish are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. They might swim in circles to locate the food they want to consume.
Like other types of tropical freshwater pets, these fish often do this when there is not enough algae or plants to graze on within their aquarium environment.
Hence, they might start to swim here and there or run after their food in search of food. This running, chasing, and grasping can sometimes look like molly fish is swimming round and round like on a Ferris wheel.
If they stop all this nuisance after full and no longer searching for food, there is nothing to worry about. But you might find the process repeatedly going on and on, now is the time to talk with your vet.
To Keep Their Fins Clean
Molly fish might also do this because they want their fins clean. But unfortunately, these fish tend to get tiny parasites from plants or other decorations within an aquarium.
So they might constantly swim around to keep their fins clean and not suffer from the infection. Poor water quality can lead to so many problems, and the swimming pattern might just hint to you about the tank condition beforehand.
Your molly fins urge the clean to fins suddenly and quite frequently most definitely questions the tank water conditions. What if it is saying something else?
To Avoid Predators
Molly fish might also swim in circles to avoid predators. These fish are prey for other types of tropical freshwater aquarium pets such as cichlids and catfish, which like to eat them because they offer little omega-three fatty acids. So mollies will swim in circles to avoid predators and keep themselves safe.
Due To Genetic Disabilities
Molly fish with disabilities tend to swim in circles because they struggle to survive and can’t use their fins properly anymore. This is because Molly fish who work with swimming will become more vulnerable to predators, so it’s just easier not even try any longer. These fish who are struggling to swim may also suffer from spinal deformities. Mollies with back problems can’t swim straight anymore, so they start swimming in circles instead of trying to fight it.
Stress
Molly Fish that swim in circles when feeling threatened tend to do this because they sense danger. During danger, they feel confused and search for a way to escape. So, they will swim in circles to get away from the stressful situation.
Due To Ammonia Poisoning
Don’t you know how cruel and scary aquarium ammonia poisoning is? A dirty tank is the house of so many diseases, and you can clearly contemplate how the change in swim pattern can make to that list.
Ammonia poisoning leads to various diseases that make your molly act crazily and do stupid things. You need to get a good filter for your molly fish tank that consists of a good amount of beneficial bacteria for the aquarium water.
I hope your fish never faces the ammonia burn and that the aquarium nitrogen cycle goes well.
To Find Their Way Back Home
Molly fish keep swimming in circles when these fish try to go back into their habitat often. This is because these fish can easily sense danger around them. So, they will swim around and in circles to find their way to their home.
Most owners also believe that Mollies cannot see as clearly as other fish and has poor eyesight. They usually detect things by light intensity. So, it is difficult for them to find their way into a polluted tank. As a result, they swim haphazardly and in circles to find their way.
If your Molly Fish is swimming in circles, it could be several reasons. Knowing this behavior can help you better care for them so they do not become ill or injured because of their swimming patterns.
How To Stop Molly Fish From Swimming In Circles?
Molly fish are very peaceful and active deep water swimmers. However, Molly fish can swim in circles for many reasons that may not always require medical intervention. Moreover, swimming patterns can also lead to injuries and the death of Mollies. So, you need to take care of them if you notice them swimming in circles.
However, some tips to stop Molly fish from swimming in circles are:
First, Don’t Overfeed Molly fish.
Molly fishes are voracious, so make sure that you only feed them enough to keep their bellies full at all times. Overfeeding can lead Molly fish to swim in circles due to constipation which is the most common reason for Molly’s “odd” behavior.
Keep The Tank Clean
Maintain good water quality by keeping the Molly tank clean. In addition, keep the water in Molly’s environment well oxygenated.
Because of their high metabolisms, Molly fish, especially long-finned species, require extra oxygen to breathe. Thus, it is important to keep them in tanks with lots of aeration devices like air stones or spray bars so that Molly fishes get enough oxygen for their breathing.
Molly fish like to breathe from the top of the tank and prefer moving water. Hence, they also need a pump with enough power for their aquarium filter or an air stone inside it. This ensures that Molly fish can easily breathe in a clean oxygen-rich environment.
Maintain Optimum Temperature In Tank
Mollies are tropical species, and you should keep them in water temperatures of at least 22-27 degrees Celsius. This is because Molly fish are susceptible to changes in their environment. So they may feel stressed when their water temperature is inconsistent or fluctuates a lot. This can lead Molly fish to swim around like crazy.
Mollies usually breathe using a Labyrinth organ, which allows them to take oxygen from the tank’s air.
Manage The pH Level
Molly fish are susceptible to changes in their environment, so they may feel stressed when the tank’s water pH levels change. This can lead Molly fish to swim around like crazy. Hence, it is crucial to maintain the pH level of the tank around 7.5-8.5.
Take Help From Professional
Suppose Molly fish are still swimming in circles even after taking care of the earlier factors. Then, it may be due to some other reason that a Molly breeder or an experienced pet store clerk who has dealt with Molly fishes before can only diagnose.
So, if these tips do not help stop Molly fish from swimming around like crazy. Then, it is best to consult Molly fish experts who can help you diagnose the problem and provide Molly fish treatment accordingly.
Some FAQs
How Can I Tell If My Molly Fish is Healthy?
You have a healthy Molly fish if your Molly fish swims upright and its belly isn’t sunken in. However, if their dorsal fin sticks up or droops down, the Molly may be sick. Also, check for spots on its body that could mean an illness.
What Will Happen If My Molly Fish Swims In Circles?
If your Molly fish is swimming in circles, it may be because of an illness or parasites. It’s important to take action quickly by doing a 30% water change with a gravel cleaner and dechlorinator before adding aquarium salt to the tank at one teaspoon per five gallons. Also, check out Molly fish diseases to see what else might be the issue.
What are Some Other Ways I Can Help My Molly Fish?
There are many ways to help your Molly fish if it has issues with swimming in circles or staying upright and healthy! First, give them a varied diet of pellets, flakes, algae wafers, and live food. Also, it is important to provide them with a mixed environment with plants and open space for swimming. Molly fish also need plenty of hiding places so that they can rest.
Conclusion
Summing up, Molly fish are more likely to swim in circles if Molly fish is sick or depressed, or even lost. But there is a teeny tiny chance that they are just acting up due to boredom. If you notice Molly fish has stopped eating or playing, she may need your attention and have an illness. To check for this, pay close attention and look for Molly Fish staying at the bottom of the tank or scratching against rocks. They might also flip over if there is a problem with their swim bladder, so watch out for this behavior.
I know things can get scary at times, and your Molly acting up is supposedly something normal. But, you don’t have to hit your head on the wall for simpler things. Just discuss this with your vet or pet store; they will give you some of the best advice. Or, don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns about your Molly fish or their swimming patterns. I am always here to help you.
Good Luck!!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!!