Major Tail Wound 3/4 Gone

Tank specs: 20g, 78'F, pH: 7.8, NO2, NO3, NH4 all good.

I just saw that my full-grown female guppy lost a good chunk (about 3/4) of its caudal fin. It wasn't bitten off because she is actually the largest fish in the tank. It's not fin rot. I'm guessing she might have gotten caught in the fishing line wrapped around the driftwood for moss, but other explanations are possible. It happened between last night and this morning. The fish's behavior is normal, except that it seems more active than usual.

Wound description:
A large portion (about 3/4) of tail seems to have seperated completely from the flesh. Wound is red, inflammed and has white stuff (flesh?) protruding from it.



I'm wondering what to do about this...? Should I just dose with Melafix? I would be greatful for any help whatsoever. Thanks.

I would Put It In A Hospital Tank And Put In Salt

what other fish are in the tank?

vancouver said:

what other fish are in the tank?

Click to expand...

20g High Fauna:

3 Siamese Algae Eaters (1.5"-2")
1 Threadfin Rainbowfish (2")
2 Female Guppys (including the one w/ the wound)
9 Guppy Fry
2 Algae Shrimp
Malaysian Trumpet Snails

I really doubt the tail was bitten. It too large of a chunk to have been bitten off by the other fish. I've been keeping SAE for 2 yrs and never once seen them get aggresive. The threadfin rainbowfish's mouth is so small it could barely eat a bloodworm.

What about a dose of salt and melafix? Any idea how much salt to put in a 20g? I already dosed w/ Melafix and I'm wondering if that's OK or should I do anything else?

Being red and inflamed is a sign of bacterial infection, would like to look at your water stats as well,
is the white stuff fluffy looking, and is there any red edging or red streaks running through whats left of the tail.