Split Tail Fin

[Luca Brazzi]

I noticed that 2 of the fish in my tank have developed a small horizontal split in their tail fin. My water parameters are fine.

Any suggestions.

[ChilDawg]

I would consider Melafixing the tail and following the info from this thread: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10281

[Luca Brazzi]

Yeah I was thinking about doing the Melafix thing to treat it, but I was wondering if anyone knew how this happens in the 1st place. Its not Fin Rot or Fungus, and it doesnt look like a bite... It looks like someone took a razorblade and made a 1/4" long slit down the middle.

It seems like one of them has already started healing on its own so I guess its not water conditions... I drain and refill my sump (20 gals) every week... and Im adding the same additives everytime (DIY African Cichlid mix)

[ChilDawg]

I've heard of it just happening to fish all the time--I think Jeff Rapps has a pic of a Motaguense like that in the photo gallery on www.tangledupincichlids.com . If the one is just healing, you might just leave them alone unless you see the signs to medicate as described by Sumpin'fishy in that thread.

[serjuanca888]

fishes fins split rather often. In the wild you will hardly ever see a fish without split or frayed fins. Personally I wouldnt worry about it.

[andruboz]

i dont think this one is going to heal.. but i could be wrong.


http://www.tangledupincichlids.com/images/motog.male.jpg

[ChilDawg]

Yeah, but it's still a nice fish. That's why I backed off in my second post. :)

[Mantis_22]

over a year of healing there should be a significant regenerated and healed fin, but it will never be the same, my old angel fish done that one time and it left a white line where it had split after the healing. (5 Months)