angelfish fins ripped bad

[panboy]

i have 2 angelfish in a 46g.

one of the guys has really long fins, and they are usually somewhat ripped, which i assume is normal.
but lately they ahve been extremely ripped. like rips 2 inches long on all his fins, and his tail looks almost shredded.

he looks fine, acts fine but it worries me.

do they sometimes get this bad? how fast will it heal if its not good?

thanks

 

[Turq]

What other occupants do you have in the tank? Tattered fins should be a concern no matter what. Means something in there is doing a bit of picking. Once the culprit has ben dealt with you'll notice new growth in about a week or so.

 

[Ferris]

Definately sounds like you've got a fin-nipper there, like Turq says what other fish do you have?

 

[panboy]

i cant think of any other fish that would nip them.

i have rummynose, zebra loaches, albino bushynose, and an SAE. i think that is it.

the only thing i can think of is themselves. sometimes they will chase themselves, but it doesnt seem to agressive, however thats the best i can think of.

 

[Turq]

It sounds as though the dominant angel is doing the picking then. Angels generally do better alone or in a group of 4 or more. Of course they could also be a male and female doing the mating dance. They tend to get a bit rough during that time.

 

[panboy]

Would it be best to seperate them?

I got too hoping they would keep each other company. I almost knew they would be somehwat aggressive towards each other, but this is UNACCEPTABLE!

i hate to get rid of one, but if its better for them, ill do it.

Plus, getting 4 would be chaotic in my tank, as i dont think there is a enough room with all my plants.

 

[Turq]

Actually angels love a heavily planted tank. Their slim bodies are perfect fpr cruising in and around them. 4 would definatly push the limits on your tank but if your up to a little extra filtration and maintenance it is doable.

 

[parker313]

Actually angels love a heavily planted tank. Their slim bodies are perfect fpr cruising in and around them. 4 would definatly push the limits on your tank but if your up to a little extra filtration and maintenance it is doable.

That's my advice too. Make sure to get 2 more, not just 1 or that one new angel would most likely get picked on pretty mercilessly.

 

[panboy]

i think i could handle 4 angelfish, but would it be too crowded ina 46g?

all my other fish are rather small, excepy my SAE which is maybe 4 inches, but 4 seems like a lot. since angelfish can get rather large.

im leaning more towards returning one to my lfs.

just wanna know if its ok if one angelfish is ok all alone.

 

[Turq]

Having just one angel would be fine.

 

[bunjiweb]

Zebra Loaches can be bad fin nippers at times, could be them, although there temperement does vary. Keep an eye on them from a distance to see if there is any bad behaviour from them. Other than this, what the other guys have said could well be the cause.

Ben

 

[Katchan]

Try Some Melafix in the water as well I and my angel get really shredded finage about a week and a 1/2 ago and it just about fully healed

katchan