Attack?

[StarOrbs]

I have 2 firemouths and a severum in my 55 gallon and I'm just trying to figure out if one of my firemouths is attacking the other one and the severum. I've noticed the tail fins on 1 of my firemouths and my severum are split in half kind of. The other firemouth has a full tail fin and is perfect. Could it be finrot? My tank is finally been over ICH now I have to solve this problem. What do you think?

 

[Ferris]

Tricky one that and something I've wondered many times. More often than not it is down to the fish but if it is finrot, the sooner treated the better. I don't like adding meds just in case so I would keep an eye on them for 24 hours (not constantly ). If completely unsure, I have in the past added some Melafix to be on the safe side, which is less volatile than specific finrot meds.

With any Cichlids, there is usually at least occasional agression and often a fish who wants to be tank boss, sounds like one of your Firemouths is staking a claim!

Hope this helps

 

[StarOrbs]

Yah I've been adding Melafix for the past few days and I think their tails are actually getting a little better now that I just looked. My severum's tail is still split but it looks a lot better.

 

[Ferris]

Glad to hear it, Melafix normally helps whatever the problem, its good stuff! In fact, pretty much essential as I keep Mbuna, one or two fin incidents

By the way, great choice of fish, If I can squeeze another tank in, I'd love to keep Firemouths and Sevs.

 

[StarOrbs]

Yah I just recently added a pvc pipe system so they can swim through it and they like it.