Should I Kill My Fish? (Please Read Before Judging Me)

[DavidPenniall]

I was just looking at my fish tank containing mollies, guppies, zebra danios and neon tetras to find one of my guppies lying on top of the filter, therefore I opened the lid on tank to see if that would convince him/her to move in some way shape or form, this failed. My next idea was to get the net and move it that way, however what I discovered is the fishes tail looking like it had been shredded by what I can only imagine was done by my filter (Stingray Elite) as the other fish in the community seem peaceful and other guppies been unharmed. Therefore I have got my nursery tank and inserted the fish on its own into there meaning the movement of the water is less of a problem for him/her and he/she is not going to be pulled back in towards filter. However I am unsure to whether or not a fish can regrow a tail or if, as sad as it sounds, he's just waiting to die.

With these circumstances, I'm unsure what to now do with the fish, it looks in pain and extremely stressed out. It also tries to move its tale without any luck. I'm expecting to wake up to it dead in the near future, however the thing which is worrying me is that as the other fish can see it stressed out and in pain, will this stress them out and hurt them? I'm not an expert on fish, I'm quiet new to the hobby but learning at a rapid pace. However this is something which has bamboozled me... Should I play god and kill the fish and let it go into the afterlife or let nature take its toll?

*Sorry about spelling and grammar, despite been English, my English skills are poor.*

 

[Mikaila31]

The fin can regrow, the issue is if the fish is strong enough and does not get any infections or diseases. I would let him be for now to see if maybe he regains some strength. If he is still swimming I would keep my hopes up. Keep the water clean and if possible use some melafix or something similar.

 

[BigFairy]

sounds like a big case of finrot. if detected early it can be cured

 

[squiremaster]

I would let it live the rest of its life if its gonna survive
best of luck,
squire

 

[deeps]

I would never do that.. Also, the tail and fins can regrow in due course of time.. All you have to do is take very good care of it, do proper and if required daily 50% water changes. Correct me if am wrong.

Hope he/she recovers soon. All the best.

Urs,
Deeps

 

[DavidPenniall]

sounds like a big case of finrot. if detected early it can be cured

I don't think it's fin rot because water levels are fine and the other fish are fine, I do a 25% water change on Wednesdays and Sundays and use safe water treatment once daily and safe guard treatment everytime I put fresh water in since I had algae problem about 6 months ago.

 

[finalfantay85]

I have had a guppy who got into a fight and had a massive chunk of his tail bitten out(almost to the base) but he is making a good recovery. The tail will regrow in time with plenty of clean water and good diet and just that little bit more attention from you keeping an eye out for any signs of illness or infection in the tail.

As for the tail growing back it'll start out growing in clear almost like cellophane then as the healing continues the clear tissue spreads up the tail and what has already regrown will colour up in due time. It might end up looking slightly different in pattern/colour but it will be fine. Hope my limited knowledge/experience helps

 

[MOW4T]

yes tails will regrow, can you not seperate it into another tank?
i'd be more worried about the danio's possibly taking advantage of its weakened state

 

[CrystalClear16]

I dont think I ever could kill a fish or any other animal, even if it clearly was the best thing to do. Which is admittedly quite selfish.

 

[fishyfeet]

If you can isolate the fish prehaps a breeding net or something would be fine, melafix is great so would a little salt if you have a sep tank, if not you could give daily salt baths. If you feel the animal is suffering, then add a few drops of clove oil to a tub of water then add the fish, it will be dead with in seconds. di

 

[weejen]

i had a guppy in the same situation a couple of days back. put her in a breeding net and even now after a couple of days i can see her tail starting to grow back

 

[arobinson1984]

I agree with fishyfeet,

et one of the hard plastic floating breeding traps from your lfs for about £3 and float it inside your tank with the fish in it, this will help stop other fish nipping at its tail and help keep it feeling secure.

If it is either finrot or has just been attacked then the tail will grow back fairly quickly. One of the best ways to ensure quick re-growth is to up your water changes. Fresh clean water will promote faster growth of the tail and it quite often much more effective than any medications you can buy.

Andy

 

[onebto]

About a year ago Having a new aquarium I brought 6 guppies Unfortunately one got a whole in his tail ! immediately I researched the problem I took advice and done all I could to prevent degradation of his tail ..... unfortunately it failed and his tail went to tatters.

However he is still with us his name is GAFFER ! his tail is still in tatters but because he is the feistiest bossy fish I have a magnificent fish that eats and gets his share despite his tank inhabitants. He is also the scruffiest rag tag looking fish I have I am so glad I did not do the write thing.

I am sure your circumstances are not the same as mine but I share this with you to say NEVER give up !

I have had to euthanasia one of my fish before it is an unpleasant experience but its the responsibility we all take on when we buy these fish and play god.

There are cases when a fish has gone beyond help and everyone has there own level of criteria to decide this in my opinion the advice you have received is good.

So I will wish you the very best and good luck to the little guy

Regards onebto.

 

[hughessomefish]

werid cause my guppy got shereded by and ornament i thought about ending the pain but go meds to prevent infection and shes back up and running so dont kill the guppy give it time to grow

 

[Assaye]

I would not risk euthanising it, especially as you are a beginner. Often, a relatively simple to cure condition seems like a really big deal and like the fish will never get better and you might end up killing a fish with a chance of recovery.

Kinda like us being killed because we broke our arm.

It could be fin damage from the filter, plants, decor or other fish (most bullying happens at night) or it could be fin rot. Fin rot can happen in the best of tanks.

Isolate, keep the water super, super clean and add a low dose of aquarium salts and melafix.

Good luck.