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tail nipped off- euthanize?

2K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  KendraMc 
#1 · (Edited)
i have a barb that has had his tail nipped down to nothing. he is having trouble swimming. will it grow back if i keep him in isolation (which i now he won't like, being schooling fish) or would the best thing at this point be to euthanize him?
 
#2 ·
If you have a QT, I would at least give it a chance. If it hasn't gone right down to the base, there may still be some filaments left to allow the fin the regenerate, may not grow back completely but he may be able to swim proberly. You could try adding Melafix or some aquarium salt to the QT to help with the healing and prevent bacteria from getting in.

I don't think he would mind being alone for a while, will allow him to get rest or have to compete for feed. Most ill fish go off on their own and detach themselves from the group anyway.
 
#3 ·
unfortunately, his tail was completely gone, right down to the base. and what was left of the base was really beat up and kind of fuzzy looking, i'm guessing from messed up scales. i decide to euthanize him. i also do not have a QT tank available right now (haven't gotten one and don't have any place to put it yet). he looked really bad and hurt. i couldn't let him stay that way.
 
#6 ·
yes i do. the only barb with an intact tail. i bought 6 more, so hopefully they will be happier now and leave the other two with injured tails alone.
 
#8 ·
everyone seems happier now. even my usually shy female swordtail is out more.
 
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