could this also be a parasite???
2007-06-19 03:52:22 · 9 answers · asked by big bill 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Thanks for the heads up Jon V.
Parasites are not likely to cause chewed looking tails. It is more than likely unchecked agression. How many fish? What species? What size tank? Could you post a link to a picture? What is your maintenance (water changes, siphoning gravel, filter cartridge changes) schedule?
Do many of the fish spend a lot of time in the corners of the tank up and away from the other fish? If so, these fish are being bullied and will die eventually because they are not allowed to eat. They are typically young males (not necessarily the same species) that look similar to the dominant fish in the tank.
Is there one fish in the tank that chases everyone else? What species is he? Some species just cannot be included in a community cichlid tank. Many of these are Tanganyikans.
On the outside chance that a disease is causing the "chewed look" I will send the link to this Q to Magicman to see what his input is. Together, we should be able to figure it out.
If you like, email me and we can talk further, I love to talk about cichlids.
8
2007-06-19 06:35:21 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the input from the two that mentioned rearranging the tank and look at your feedings, and I think that's some sound advice there. I think you might also be surprised to find some of the chasers get chased back every now and then and that's possible they are getting aggression from thier own group as well. Meaning one of the other chasers are chasing another chaser. I'm gonna pass this one on to 8 in the Corner, he knows more about cichilds then I do, but I have a feeling if you really watch them close, that some of those being chased aren't just sitting back and taking it, and they are nipping back.
Yes a parasite or bacteria infection is not out of the possiblities either.
JV
2007-06-19 12:30:19 · answer #2 · answered by I am Legend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for the link 8 in the Corner.
While African cichlids aren't my best area of knowledge, diseases are.
If you are very sure some of the fish are not being nipped but do have torn and damaged fins, look closely at these fish to see if the edges of the fins loook white and softened. It's possible you are dealing with a case of fin rot that it first showing on the tails due to a small amount of damage from nipping. If this it the case the fins will look white and actually rotten. Soft and tearing, chunks coming off instead of just rips, etc.
If that is the case you will need to treat the tank for a bacterial infection. For fin rot I would suggest Maracyn2 or Maracyn TC. Just treat as directed on the container.
MM
2007-06-19 14:32:04 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you 100% positive the ones that arent being chased are not being nipped by the other fish at all? I only ask because it would be common for chiclids to have chewed fins...especially depending on how you feed them. If you feed them twice a day and they have adequate space to hide and such then they shouldnt nip each other too too much.
If you already feed them twice a day and they have adequate space it could be a disease but I'm unsure of which disease so someone else will have to help you with that :(
2007-06-19 11:09:10 · answer #4 · answered by Josh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Africans can get very territorial. It is most likely they are being chased and you don't always see it. Try re arranging the tank and give them plenty of hiding places. This should stop most of the chasing ( however you will never stop all of it)
2007-06-19 11:01:10 · answer #5 · answered by mustang 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fish could have finrot. It can be caused by stress such as unhealthy water, tank changes, etc. You can buy some Maracyn Two at your local pet store and that should clear it right up. My fish got finrot when I moved their tank from one room to the other.
2007-06-19 10:56:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its parisites and if your fish has a white looking disease its fin rot also attacks the tail so run dont walk to the store No wait use your car lol and buy some mediation for em eh?
2007-06-19 11:36:19 · answer #7 · answered by tkerbag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is possible or it cud be sum other form of infection go to the shop that u got them from and see if they have anythin to go in the water
2007-06-19 10:55:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should take your water to your local pet store to be checked out.
2007-06-19 10:56:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋