Catfish fins

Question
I hired a "professional" to set up a new tank. In transition, the gentleman who was transferring the fish severed my catfish's fin. He said it got caught in the net. Now he is swimming with the outer bone of the fin exposed. I don't see any signs of distress on the fish but will the fin regenerate and what should I do to maintain the fish?

Answer
Hi Sheryl,

Unfortunately this is fairly common with spiny fish such as catfish.  The fin should regrow and present no real problems for the catfish.

Make sure that you keep the water quality stable and good.  I would do 10% water changes weekly to ensure that no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates accumulate to toxic levels during the transition.


Sean
Owner - FishGeeks.com