Can you explain? Are they not good for aquariums? I did have a few real plants before but they died and went all limp so I went for synthetic afterwards. I tried to not go for super pointy plants. They are more leafy.
I am so sorry for your loss. To inhibit further losses, here is some information:
Behaviors:
Monitor your other fish's behavior. There could be some aggression that you aren't aware of that is severe enough to remove scales/tear open his skin.
Stress:
Fish have something called a slime coat that helps them stay safe and it is also a sign of a healthy environment. With a lot of stress, this slime coat can get thinner and thinner and your fish will be more vulnerable to immunity issues that can become severe over time (intestinal worms, ammonia burn, ammonia poisoning, digestive issues, etc).
Decor:
I am sorry to say but artificial plants can have an impact on fin/skin health; especially long finned species.
Food:
What you feed your fish matters. I will always recommend a live food diet but I understand if that is not something you can or wish to do. If your fish cannot digest a food, it will become bloated. Bloating has significant health effects, such as swim bladder disease and breathing problems. If his stomach got too bloated, it could be a reason his skin tore.
Live Plants:
As for your live plants, choosing your plants correctly will help with their survival rates. If you have low-medium light, pick plants that thrive in low-medium light. I use Fluval Planted Aquarium substrate. It helps support strong root growth and healthy leaves.
Questions I have for you:
What do you feed your fish?
What is the size of your tank?
What are your water parameters, using the liquid testing kit?
Again, I am so sorry for your loss...
