Gouramis tail

Question
Stephanie,

I have a Pink Kissing Gourami that we've had for a little over a year.  He is about 3 1/2 inches long, has been healthy, and has survived having a neurotic Tiger Barb as his tankmate until the TB died a few months ago.  They chased each other frequently but seemed to enjoy each other's company.

The Gourami has been alone since.  A few months before the TB died, I noticed that it looked like a small bite had been taken out of the Gourami's tail at the bottom corner.  As it was small and he seemed to function just as well, I didn't worry and assumed the aggressive Tiger Barb had nipped him.  Today I was shocked to notice that most of the Gourami's tail is now gone!  He has one sliver at the top that remains the natural length of his tail; the rest is tapered and gone from that original small bite - like the bite has grown.  He is not moving very much as a result and I'm now worried.  He is in a small 5-gallon tank with a filter and oxygen assembly operating on it.  His water is changed about once every two months.

What do you think?  I can't stand the thought of losing Pinky!  He watches me make coffee in the mornings and is highly interested in the workings of his kitchen domain!

Jamie

Answer
Hello,

It sounds like your Gourami has not been bit, but actually has fin rot. It should clear up quite easily if you begin treatment immediately. You should try tetracycline or triple sulfa medicines. If he is not eating, there is a really good medicine called Maracyn-two that will help his tail rot and help him out while he's not eating, but if he is then you can just use any sort of tetracycline or triple sulfa.

I hope this helps!

Good-luck,
From Stephanie