Betta fin damage

Question
My betta got twisted in the net and when I tried to free him I really tore his tail and lower fin.  The look shredded and some of the shreds are breaking away.  I noted in your answer to Jamie that their fins grow back quickly, but will the they grow back if they are shredded in long horizontal tears?  If so, about how long does it take?  I really feel horrible about hurting him.  I am adding medication to the water as a precaution.

Answer
Hi Lillie,
 Basically if the damage is just to the outer portion of the fin, it should grow back.  If the damage extends into the base of the fin, it usually will not grow back quite right and the split will persist.  Such a split won't really hurt the fish, it only affects his appearance to you.

 By the way, don't add any more medication, that will not help things.  Consider getting a net with a finer, softer mesh so this won't happen again.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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