Fins Ripped

[Elise]

My poor fish Kai just got over his fin rot on his tail and I was admiring how lovely they looked, then this morning I noticed they were all ripped to shredds...I do have him in a split 2.5....but I don't think Ula (the other male) would have ripped off his fins....guess it's possible. I do also have some plastic plants in there with him, but I also have a piece of pvc pipe for him to lay in so he doesn't lay in the plants. Anyone have a personal/professional opinion as to what caused the fin shredding? BTW, he's very happy and blowing bigger and bigger bubblenests so I don't think it has anything to do with his tank mate.

 

[Kiarra]

My theory would be that something spooked him, and he swam away quickly, and tore his fins on the plastic plants. I say this because I've seen it happen before.

Beyond that, I can't imagine what could have happened. He sounds happy and well-adjusted otherwise.

Just add some aquarium salt and keep his water extra clean for the next little while, and see if that mends those fins. If you notice any new damage, you may have to take out some of the things in his tank and see if that prevents any further damage.

 

[BettaMomma]

He could be tail biting.
It doesn't sound like he'd be doing it because he's unhappy, but sometimes it's hereditary in fish and they just start it up out of the blue.

Or, as Kiarra said - he could have ripped it on the plants.
Maybe you could try switching to silk plants and see if he improves?