SYMPTOMS
16. Fishes (mostly livebearers and particularly Mollies) swim with curious shimmying action of body. Later, if untreated, fish becomes unable to swim and sits on the gravel listlessly shimmying.

DISEASE
The SHIMMIES - in the author's experience a broad spectrum invasion by numerous pathogens, protozoan, bacterial and fungal is responsible.

TROPICAL FRESHWATER & COLDWATER AQUARIA
Remove fish to water containing at least 20% ULTRAMARINE seawater. Increase temp. To 27°C (85°F) Days 1 - 4 - PROTOZIN (20% partial water change) Days 6 - 8 - MYXAZIN.

SEAWATER AND BRACKISHWATER
Not applicable in seawater but occaionally seen in Scatophagus.

GARDEN PONDS
Not applicable.

PREVENTION
Always maintain water chemistry in a livebearer tank in the following condition - high pH value (7.8 - 8.3pH), high hardness (15°DH+), high alkalinity. The best way of creating this livebearer (and Mbuna) special water, is to add up to 25% of ULTRAMARINE seawater to the aquarium. Please remember to prepare replacement water in the same way. Never buy unmedicated, newly imported fishes. Caution Platies need soft acidic water i.e. HALOEX treated tapwater plus Waterlife 6.5 BUFFER or HUMAQUAT.