My fish's tail is missing. Why did it happen and will it heal?

Thanks for reaching out about Lucky. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any problems. Is there any other fish in the tank that could be aggressive? Bacterial infections can attack the fins/skin, and if the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess Lucky's health and work on a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any new fish might have introduced parasites. Good luck.

This presentation could be compatible with fin rot, which is a bacterial or fungal infection. It is unlikely that the primary cause is traumatic, unless Tank is itchy (that could be compatible with a bacterial infection anyway) and he is scratching himself constantly. The approach must be logic anyway starting from water quality check and treating with some antibiotics. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, water should be treated with antibiotics. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about Gummy. Not sure of biting the tail is normal, especially if chewing to the point of removing part of the tail. Itching or irritation are most likely. Test and correct water quality including pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. These can be dermal irritants. Bacterial or parasitic concerns, spinal problems (scoliosis due to vitamin C deficiency) are also common and a veterinary visit would be needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Limon and including photos. This part of the missing dorsal fin appears more trauma than infections, due to lack of abraded edges or signs of infection. Fins do re-grow. Maintain pristine water quality. Good luck.

Thank you for the picture - I am unable to tell if the tail is just turning transparent, or if portions of it are missing. If it is truly just a color change, and there are no other problems with C.G. or the other fish, it may just be that he is going to become a different color. If the tail has missing portions, that is more likely to be caused by an infectious problem (such as bacteria, fungi, parasites). I would recommend evaluating your water quality parameters, as you eluded to in your question. Then I would monitor the tail, and if there are portions missing, I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian. They can take samples of the area, as well as from the skin and gills to evaluate for parasites and other organisms.

This could be caused an extreme exophthalmus that has rupture both eyes and could be secondary to an infection. Gas bubble disease can lead to eyes rupture as well. Eyes unfortunately do not regenerate but can heal depending on the type of injury (a picture of the lesions would be extremely helpful in your case). Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is normal, antibiotic treatment is likely to be required. Please discuss these options with your local vet.

Thanks for reaching out about M.S. First of all, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correct any problems. Poor water quality can lead to dermal changes/irritations that can results in tattered scales or fins, and other dermal lesions. If the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any of the over-the-counter medications to add to the water, rarely improve conditions but will more likely be a detriment to water conditions. Good luck.