tail fin ragged on spotted cardinal

[beginnermatt]

The tail fin on my cardinal has had a nipped look for several weeks. This cardinal's appetite comes and goes. No, other fish has been bothering the cardinal. A QT was used for two weeks with copper before entering the main tank. Any thoughts as to how this can be corrected.

 

[beth]

A "nipped look" implies harrassment, which can certainly be the case even if you haven't noticed it. Is this fish hiding at all, or reluctant to go after food?
The alternative would be a bacterial infection. In this situation, you should see fins that have a ragged, frayed look, possibly with pieces of fins stinging or trailing. Look for red or swollen areas in the effected area or in the gills. How is the fishes breathing?
Make some dintinctions here in terms of the symptoms so we can better advise.

 

[fmarini]

Hi:
I agree w/ Beth on this. The nipped look (i.e, a symetrrical chunk) is from a harassing tankmate.
you quote "No, other fish has been bothering the cardinal."
That you see.....
If you can describe the tailfin better and what the rays look like, the tissue between the rays, and if you observe any reddening or scale lifting at the caudual peduncle, then we might be able to assess better
frank

 

[beginnermatt]

I have yet to see this fish get nipped. In fact it seems to be the boss in the tank. The tail looks like a scallop shaped piece has been removed. The area around it has no redness or scale lifting. The fin also seems smooth around the area. Could this be a slow healer. It does seem to be healing but at a very slow rate, 3 weeks. Also, I don't see it eating anymore. I use a combination of brine, flakes, algae tabs and sinking pellets.

 

[beginnermatt]

What would you suggest for food?
I just noticed some aggression in the tank which explain the wound. I got back from vacation the other day and my fish seems to hate each other now. I'll do all my testing for the week tomorrow b/c something must be off. Maybe they didn't get fed enough while I was gone. Thanks.

 

[marine fanatic]

I noticed when my blue damsel was always picking on my 3-stripe that he NEVER did it when he thought I was watching. I noticed my 3-stripe had fin damage and one day I set up my webcam and recorded 5 hours of them in the tank. During that 5 hours (and really boring fast-forwarding), I caught the blue attacking the 3-stripe well over a dozen times. Just remember that even though you may not see it, does not mean it is not happening.
I hope your Cardinal pulls through

 

[beginnermatt]

Thanks for the replys. I think I should just do a water change, because they are acting different since my return from vacation. I'll also check my levels. Thanks again.

 

[beth]

Marine: Webcam, what a GREAT idea. But you are exactly right. Fish are not dumb animals and they will be naughty when one is not looking. Additionally, sometimes the attacks will go on at night.
As for food, I mix up my fish food made of fresh seafoods I get and food process. To this I add seaweed selects and other vegetable foods [depending on the vegetarian populaton of my tank].