a fish fin question

rossb · #1 12-02-2003, 01:14 AM

This is not exactly a reef question...but does anybody know if fins grow back? Suppose a gold fish had a bit of an encounter with a turtle, and lost about 75 % of the fins on one side...does anybody know the prognosis?

The fish mostly lies on the bottom of the tank...it swims in a spiral motion and has to be manually fed. It is my oldest gold fish (about 10 years) and it is certainly willing to be hand fed...but I do feel sorry for her...

comments???

I have placed it here rather than the freshwater section hoping someone has some experience with this

Son Of Skyline · #2 12-02-2003, 01:22 AM

The fins can and will grow back if the fish doesn't die from stress or infection from the damage. I'd say a little tlc should help your fish recover.

EmilyB · #3 12-02-2003, 01:29 AM

I had a ram cichlid for many years that lived after having all it's fins chewed off by Africans. I just kinda "propped" her in a corner, and named her "Stumpy". She would eat from tongs. She became a very beautiful fish again, and never forgot her name when called !

rossb · #4 12-02-2003, 01:36 AM

Quote:

I just kinda "propped" her in a corner, and named her "Stumpy".

We have named ours chester

Thanks for the optimistic replies...

chester as in chesterfield....for the humor impaired

Beverly · #5 12-02-2003, 02:29 AM

Sorry to hear about your fish. I love GF

Keep water quality very high for starters. If the fish is still having a hard time, you might need to use some kind of antibiotic in a hospital tank if the fin is infected.