Tropical Fish - Why are their fins being 'eaten'?

Question

I have several neons, mollies and a male swordfish tail (the female having died). Until recently I also had a male Siamese Fighter which had co-existed quite happily with the others for several months. Last week I introduced 4 guppies (3 female and one male) and within hours one was dead having had its tail 'removed' and the others quickly followed together with the Siamese which had never been bothered previously. The Siamese' fins had almost completely gone. Can anyone tell me why this should happen with fish that should co-exist - who could have been the culprit etc? ( I did segregate some of the fish I thought might have been responsible but still the fins disappeared). I suspect the swordfish tailed fish but could it have been that the neons turned cannibal? I couldn't catch it happening and obviously want to avoid it happening again. It was as if pyranha fish had taken over the tank? This was far too quick for it to be fin rot.

Answer 1

You didn't say much about the male guppy, but if it was brightly colored and long-finned, the betta would have gone after it. With the females and the betta also being picked it, I'd say it was most likely the swordtail that did the damage to all of them. They can be aggressive.

Answer 2

your problem was your male guppy

he has long flowing fins, and was attacked by the betta, the reason beeing, because he thought that the guppy is a betta like he's

That's exactly the reason you always need to stay away from fish with long beautiful fins, like a male guppy and a serpae tetra.

And a Betta is a community fish, just like any other one of your fish, the only problems a male betta has is beeing together with another male or a female, or other fish that have long fancy fins, other then that, they're great community fish

And for a fact, female Betta's can live together peacefully, as long as there is a minimum of 3 of them and the tank is at least a 10 gallon and is planted good with live plants



Hope that helps
Good luck

Answer 3

It may be the siamese fighting fish that killed the other fish. They tend to fight alot and bite them. I wouldn't recommend to put a siamese fighting fish in a community tank. Female fighting fish are peaceful but no the male. You should also check if the water quality is good. If it is bad, change 30% of the water. Add salt (1 teaspoon per gallon) You can also chemically alter the water but it is not as natural and might wear off in a couple of weeks. If you suspect that there is disease in the aquarium. Treat with antibiotic (machalite green medicine) It could also be parasite, treat it with medicine. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

The addition of the 4 guppies probably sparked a war for territory. With a swordtail and a betta in the same tank, it was only a matter of time. I'm sure you are aware that bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish) are not intended for a community tank. He most likely stirred up a battle. I find it amusing that he is on the losing end of this fight, but I'll bet you don't......

Answer 5

I think your problem is mostly caused by bacteria, you are having peacful community fish that unlikely to attach. Try ask local fish shop for solution, alternatively, do partial water change and add some salt into the water (a pinch will do)

ps. the bacteria may be 'imported' with your 4 guppies.