What are the prospects for a goldfish with one pectoral fin missing?

Question

I had a good track record with dogs and cats, but this is my first fish. I changed her water tonight - first water change, and she's only been home a few days, and now I notice that one of her pectoral fins is missing. Will she make it through the night? Is it just wait and see?

Answer 1

Watch "finding Nemo" to find out!

Answer 2

Don't worry, it should be fine but it may swim more slowly than the other fish. i have a fish with a pectoral fin missing - it's just like the others and it's doing fine. it's learnt to adapt to it but just uses it's tail a bit more. However, just make sure that the fish aren't too hungry when you feed them, or the fish might not get enough food because all the other fish might eat it all up.

Answer 3

If the fish can keep itself in an upright position it should be fine, and depending on how damaged the fin is it may grow back.

If it can't stay upright it probably wont survive in the long run.

Next time, make sure you're very gentle with her when you clean her water. Get a soft net to scoop her out and put her in a bowl until her aquarium is clean, then gently dip her back into the water.

If you have plants in the aquarium, make sure they are soft silk plants and not hard plastic ones, as hard plastic plants can also cause fin damage.

Answer 4

Fish are usually pretty adaptable. Make sure his water quality is tip-top and separate any aggressive eaters. Invest in a freshwater master test kit if you don't have one already and ask the pet store representative to explain how it works and what each test means for your fish.

Answer 5

the fish will survive without the fin

Answer 6

The fish should be fine, though it may swim in circles a lot.

Answer 7

It should be alright but it may want to tilt to one side for the rest of its life

Answer 8

wait & see