unknown orange parasite/disease - Dalmatian Mollies

[fletcheroni]

I bought a pair of Dalmatian Mollies from Petsmart on Saturday (3 days ago). Both appeared healthy in the store (although I noticed that most of the females in the store tank looked sick). Anyway, I noticed these orange spots on both of their bodies. The male is still acting perfectly healthy, but the female is now clasping her fins to her body most of the time and sometimes lets her body drift into an almost vertical position, before righting herself again.
I kept aquaria for years when I was younger but I don't think I've had this particular disease. I've attached a couple close-up photos which should help someone diagnose this. I appreciate any help I can get here - Petsmart has a 14-day guarantee on their fish, but I think the fish would prefer that it doesn't come to that.
Thanks!

Patrick

 

[brian1973]

I noticed those on mine too...also from petsmart. The female had babies and some of the fry also had these strange orange spots. Unfortunately a google search never turned up any results. I found results for rust colored spots but these were not really a rust color they are about the same color as an orange peel.

My best guess since the newborn fry had them that it is genetic

I had a major die off in one tank, but alot of the dead fish didnt have these spots so I didnt even think about. I moved my survivors into another tank and treated them with melafix for 7 days per the directions and havent and any losses in about 5 days now. Also treated for 3 days with anti fungal medication after the melafix treatment. Survivors consist of 1 platy, 5 young dalmation mollies (all with orange spots) and 1 pleco.

 

[iapetus]

My best guess since the newborn fry had them that it is genetic

Interesting thought. I wonder if the orange spots aren't a red herring. I looked around the Web to find something, but could find nothing matching the description you provided, fletcheroni. Maybe focus on the clamped fins and the odd behavior you mentioned?

 

[brian1973]

I was at petsmart last night and remembered to check there Dalmation Mollies and the majority of them had these spots.

I should have asked the lady in he fish dept. about them but didnt get the chance

what did you end up doing or did you find out anything about these spots?

 

[jen0910]

My guess would be that your dalmation mollies didn't have pure black and white ancestors and the orange spots are just part of their coloring.