Aquarium downfall?

Question
Hello, I have recently purchased an aquarium from my local aquarium shop,
I have now introduced 8 neons, 2 redtailed sharks and 1 siamese fighting fish.
They have been settling in realy well untill the other day when I knotest that my neons have been niping my fighting fish and 2 sharks, also I think my fighting fish has fin-rot, How can I tell if my fish has fin rot? and is it normal for neons to nip?

Answer
Hi Katie,

That is quite unusual! Neons rarely bother other fish. But some fish are too tempted towards a betta's long flowing fins that they can't resist taking a nip at it.

Likely they are making your little betta miserable, so you may have to separate him into his own little special tank.

The fin damage you see may be from the neons and not actually be fin-rot. Finrot usually starts slowly and almost 'dissolves' the fishes fins. The ends of the infected fins will often be discolored dark or red.

Nipped or torn fins usually will not have discolored edges.

You said your neons are also nipping your sharks? Or your sharks are -also- nipping your betta?

If its the first one, sharks usually will be OK, they don't have long flowing fins that can be damaged. But if the sharks are doing the nipping that is likely a territorial behavior. Red-tailed sharks are quite territorial and need plenty of caves to hide in and call their own.

You can see a picture of a betta with finrot here -
http://nippyfish.net/sick-betta/fin-rot-and-fin-loss/

That site also provides quality info about betta care and treating illness. :-)

I hope this helps and best of luck!
Susan~