i went to feed my little dude dinner last night and he was suddenly all torn up, this hasn’t happened in the 4 months I’ve had him, and there’s nothing in the tank that is a strong suspect. my only thought is that the heater is a little new, and he likes to go chill behind it sitting on the suction cups. maybe his fins got caught between the clip and the heater and tore when he decided to leave? i took the suction cups off so he can’t get caught and we’ll see what happens
my mains question is what should I do to help him heal and prevent it from turning into something worse?
pics of the heater, his fins now, and his fins the day before it happened for reference
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1sbhw1q
Posted by Moist_Orchid_9212
1 Comment
Hi, fraying like this is caused more often by bacterial or fungal infection rather than physical tear (if this were the case, his fins would seem to be missing a piece).
As there are no growths on him right now, I would recommend increasing tannins (through almond leaves or similar), an aquarium salt bath, and twice as frequent water changes.
If growths become visible (that is, the fins appear red/white, there are fuzzy/smooth/bumpy spots, etc) or his behavior changes (swimming on one side, appearing skinny, eating less, breathing heavily, lethargy, etc) I would treat him with a broad antibiotic. I have had good luck with Kanaplax and E. M. Erythromycin.
Best wishes.