Post by amanichen on May 10, 2005 14:03:11 GMT -5
Here's a quick and dirty rundown of types of fin damage, and their possible causes
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Fin rot = dissolving of fins from the edges. Fins can take on the appearance of a fine sawtooth. Sometimes the rays will stick out from the webbing (webbing is more fragile and bacteria eat it up quicker.) Usually seen on caudal, anal, or dorsal fins.
Biting = Large chunks of a fin missing and/or shredding (think paper shredding. You may see chunks lying on the bottom. Biting damage is sudden, and severe and may occur without any warning. Usually seen on caudal or dorsal fins.
Chemical burns from ammonia/pH etc. = bloody tips on multiple fins. Damage is relatively minor and it lingers. It will not significantly progress, rather the fins will appear to be raw for a few days. Chemical burns may also kill tissue, which will appear as ragged edges that may be dark or become colorless.
Fins turning white at root = more serious health problem, maybe parasitic or nutritional in nature.
Tearing on tank decorations = Multiple splits in fins, but no apparent damage otherwise. Generally no ragged edges or bloody tips. Splits are relatively clean, and heal up quickly.
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Fin rot = dissolving of fins from the edges. Fins can take on the appearance of a fine sawtooth. Sometimes the rays will stick out from the webbing (webbing is more fragile and bacteria eat it up quicker.) Usually seen on caudal, anal, or dorsal fins.
Biting = Large chunks of a fin missing and/or shredding (think paper shredding. You may see chunks lying on the bottom. Biting damage is sudden, and severe and may occur without any warning. Usually seen on caudal or dorsal fins.
Chemical burns from ammonia/pH etc. = bloody tips on multiple fins. Damage is relatively minor and it lingers. It will not significantly progress, rather the fins will appear to be raw for a few days. Chemical burns may also kill tissue, which will appear as ragged edges that may be dark or become colorless.
Fins turning white at root = more serious health problem, maybe parasitic or nutritional in nature.
Tearing on tank decorations = Multiple splits in fins, but no apparent damage otherwise. Generally no ragged edges or bloody tips. Splits are relatively clean, and heal up quickly.