Fin Nipping

[Miss Mayhem]

Just got home to find that one of my black neon tetras cannot swim properly, he is constantly pointing downwards. I've separated him out and it seems that most of his tail is missing. (He was in a community tank with a male betta, a dozen tetras (neons and black neons) and a small pleco who is going soon...) We've only had the tank for 2 weeks but I have not noticed the betta or pleco acting aggressive to the neons, they just ignore them.

Will his tail grow back? Can I put him back with his tank mates or will he just die?

Also it seems that only half is body has colour, but I am assuming this is because he is pointing downwards and all the blood has drained down...

Help and advice please!

 

[Larkspur]

If he doesn't have problems other than his tail, he could survive. Back in August my family bought a couple feeder goldfish and added them to a 10 gallon aquarium with our two baby turtles. They ate 2 or 3. However, 2 survived and are outgrowing the turtles! They're huge! And I couldn't tell you how many times they've had their tails nibbled on in the past, but they have proven that its survival of the fittest. Their tails take a couple weeks to a month or two, but they usually grow back full and beautiful again with time. I don't know about other fish because the stress alone may cause further problems, but these two particular goldfish have no issues regrowing a tail that's been half bitten off. They're big enough now that the turtles are beginning to leave them alone. That or they're plain lazy.