common pleco - dorsal fin

[pp01862]

My 12 inch common pleco got his dorsal fin caught on a plastic plant and ended up ripping his dorsal fin in half right down the middle. He appears to be fine, acting normal otherwise. Has this ever happened to anyone else's fish here? I never imagined that a plastic plant would be such a danger. I threw away the offending plant, but still have others in the tank because the smaller fish like to hide in them.

 

[James From Cali]

Silk plants are alot better! I had this happen to my betta.. Just let him be and it will heal itself IMO!

 

[MissFishy]

I've had fish with damaged/ripped fins before, it happens. The fin should heal fine on its own, you may want to add some melafix to keep any infection from setting in.

 

[pp01862]

Thanks, I'll look into those silk plants, never heard of them before.

I'm afraid the big guy will always have a split dorsal fin. Just don't see how it would heal itself back up. As long as he's happy and healthy otherwise.

 

[Bandito_41]

I agree on adding Melafix to prevent infection, and help it heal over.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

It should regrow, I've had catfish have nibbled off fins and they regrow just fine with time (melafix does help).