Corys Whiskers Have Gone

[rolo0151]

Just bought a little 15L tank off eBay that came with some fish.
3 tetra & one sad looking pepper cory. Poor guys whiskers have all but worn away! The tank was in a terrible state, you could barely see the fish due to the state of the water! Nasty blue gravel that has caused the damage.

I wanted the tank for shrimp but feel I want to give the cory a chance to recover.
Will it's whiskers grow back or is it a lost cause

 

[This Old Spouse]

If you bring back the tank to ideal conditions and use a sand substrate they will grow back to some degree if the cory has no other problems. 

 

[Chad]

What kind of substrate is in the tank? Often it's due to keeping cory in a tank with gravel that causes the problem you describe. Barbel erosion can also be caused by disease related to dirty water.
The good news is they should grow back if conditions are improved.

 

[rolo0151]

I've just put a very fine black gravel. Only a few mm in size & very smooth.
The old gravel was quite large & sharp. Bright blue & looked awful!

I've cleaned the tank throughout & gave the filter a good rinse in tank water.
Will check the parameters tomorrow.

 

[Chad]

I'm guessing it was the gravel or maybe even both issues but the fish should be fine now that you have cleaned it up. With cory I recommend a water change very soon after moving them about as they have a toxic mucus when they are stressed.

 

[rolo0151]

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep a close eye on things.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Please keep us posted, and best of luck.