Damaged Pectoral Fin

[khenders]

I have a tetra with a pectoral fin that is missing. The fish can not maintain balance due to this problem. First I thought it was swim bladder issues but I noticed that one of the pectoral fins was missing. Will this regrow? Help.....

 

[Big Vine]

It should re-grow on its own. Make sure the tetra isn't getting picked on too much while it is healing...otherwise you'll need to separate him---Actually, it would be better to put the "bully/bullies" in a 'penalty box' of sorts, if you know what I mean (put em' in a livebearer trap or something within their tank).

What kind of tetra are we talking about here? What else is in your tank? How big a tank is it?

Big Vine

 

[khenders]

Skirt tetra. I several skirt tetras and a very large pleco that gets spastic at times. I think that maybe he caused this injury. The tank is 20 gallons. Is there anything I can do for this fish, he can not keep balance or bouyancy.

 

[Big Vine]

Can your tetra at least remain somewhat upright on its own? What about during feeding time...does it still eat okay?

It's really your call as to what you should do next---it really depends on the fish's condition. If he's able to eat, then he should be fine.

If he is obviously getting picked on, and you know what's causing it, then I'd either separate him from the other fish, or vice versa, so that he has a chance to heal.

Big Vine

 

[khenders]

Can your tetra at least remain somewhat upright on its own? What about during feeding time...does it still eat okay?

It's really your call as to what you should do next---it really depends on the fish's condition. If he's able to eat, then he should be fine.

If he is obviously getting picked on, and you know what's causing it, then I'd either separate him from the other fish, or vice versa, so that he has a chance to heal.

Big Vine

He seems to be eating OK, kinda remains somewhat upright and the other fish are not picking on him at this point. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Big Vine]

You're welcome. Like I said, just leave him be, and he should heal on his own. If you see something actively picking on him, then it's time to take action.

Good luck. I'm sure his fin will be back to normal within a few days or so.
Big Vine

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Yup, just to echo Big Vine, he'll regrow if he isn't being actively nibbled. It'll take a few weeks if it's really nibbled down to a nub, but it'll regrow entirely and you won't be able to tell it was ever damaged once it regrows.