“Finding Nemo” Fin Question

[Fishie Mama]

Both of my Electric Blue Jack Dempsey’s left side fin has been damaged somehow. Can this damage heal? It doesn’t seem to bother their ability to swim. Unfortunately I can’t get a good photo of the actual damage.

 

[fishorama]

Hard to say. I've had fish with 1 damaged pectoral fin & they can't swim quite as well as they might. But, depending on species & other tankmates, they may do fine. There isn't much you can do beside wait & see. Keep the water extra clean they "might" heal a bit if the damage is new...it's doubtful.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

My hunch, since I have not kept this species, was this might be fighting which is pretty typical behavior in many cichlids. Here is what it says on Seriously fish here https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/rocio-octofasciata/

Behaviour and Compatibility

Can be kept in a well-chosen community arrangement alongside tankmates that are too large to be viewed as prey although a very large tank will be needed should you wish to keep it with other cichlids.

Young specimens can be maintained together but usually begin to display aggressive behaviour towards one another as they become sexually mature.

If a pair forms they are usually peaceful towards one another but hostile to other conspecifics and similarly-shaped fishes.

 

[Fishie Mama]

Thanks guys. I don’t know how Gus damaged his fin unless it happened when he was a fry. My female could’ve torn her fin when she kept squeezing through the tank divider. I really don’t think Gus would’ve hurt her on purpose. He adores her! You never know though