Horribly Shredded Tail :(

[ellena]

Yesterday morning, Levi's tail looked like this

The small bit he had missing when I got him had just grown back, it was looking great.
Last night, I came home to find 2 huge chunks had gone from it-very clean, with smooth edges. I could only think maybe the frogs had nipped him, although I've never seen them go near him. The chunks were that big, I even had a look around for them!
This morning, his tail is in shreds

What on earth could have happened? The filter inlet is about 8 inches long, so no way he could have get it in the motor. Tank companions are 2 frogs and 1 snail. Tank decor live plants, an indian almond leaf (changed for fresh last night) a moss ball, a coconut cave (sanded very smooth) and a few pebbles.
Stats aren't great-I don't know what's going on with his cycle. I'm checking daily though and doing water changes as needed. Last night it was ammonia 0.5, nitrites 0, so I did a 50% change and added some melafix due to the chunks that were missing.
I seem to remember someone recently had a similar looking tail problem, so I'm off to try and find that post but if anyone has any suggestions in the meantime, I'd be very grateful

 

[lilacamy931]

hey ellena, I am not able to diagnose but hope his tail gets better soon. I am sure someone will be able to help. How long have the frogs and betta been together? Is it a relatively new thing?

It does not seem like he could have caught his fins due to the good collection of decorations in the tank. Definately no sharp edges on the coconut?

Try to keep the water stats are clear as possible as this will help!

 

[betta fish]

He is doing it to himself I had one that did this and it unfortunately became a habit that I could not make him stop, bettas with long flowing tails are more prone to this, some are more likely than others to begin and the causes are not always known. I would be very suprised if the frogs, filter or ornaments in the tank are to blame in this case, would it be possible to seperate him into his own 5 gallon tank so you can monitor him? he may just be stressed by the frogs, make sure you keep the water very clean to allow his tail to heal.

 

[jasminekiddell]

Sorry about your bettas tail, i think aquarium salt, good water and a good diet might do the trick unless its a habit.
just see how he gets on

 

[ellena]

Thanks guys
I have sat and watched him for nearly an hour tonight and didn't see him bite it, would it is about the only idea that makes sense. He is spending more time in the lower half of the tank and his cave which I haven't seen him in for weeks.
I've bought a pingpong ball and some shiny marbles home to try and entertain him a bit.
Frogs have been in there 3, maybe 4 weeks.

 

[jasminekiddell]

I'd take the frogs out and see if it makes an improvement, if he has been nipping his tail then hes probably feeling a bit down, if oyu think about it when you dotn feel well you just want to have time to recuperate this is maybe how he feels, im sure he'll pick up, experiment with things to find out what he likes.

 

[ellena]

Thanks Jasmine I don't have anywhere to put the frogs-the only other tank I have running is the 12l with rufus the betta in.
I found a dark shiny 'thing' in the tank this morning so I got it out and I think it was a fin poo, which would confirm he is doing it to himself.
The white fluffy edges are gone this morning, leaving the actual rays exposed like little hairs
Just hope clean water and melafix can work their magic before he does it again.

 

[soph_betta]

I found my partners betta was biting his own tail
from what i can make out its from boredom so a ping pong ball is wicked
leave him to chase it round for about 20 mins twice a week and also try a mirror so he sees his reflection fort about 2-3 mins twice a week this is also a great time to get some pics as they will usually parade around the tank for a good 10mins afterwards

 

[jasminekiddell]

May i ask whats in your betta tank?
If you can i would do a big fish shop, like buy about 3 big live plants, some interesting rocks, little mysterious caves.
Could you not put the frogs in some sort of storage box just to see if it is them?
Or just isolate the betta in something if possible.

 

[CTlovesKS]

Aww poor thing... I hope he gets better soon

 

[lilacamy931]

how is he doing ellena?

 

[ellena]

Hi, thanks for the replies He's not touched the ping pong ball at all. Although I have yet to see him do it, there's more missing each day so he must still be chewing it. All the exposed rays have gone and he's now started on the anal and dorsal fin.
I do show him a mirror quite often, but he doesn't react. He flared the very first time, but never since then. He's still eating well and coming up to the glass being nosy when I'm there. I think you just imagine them to look melancholy when you know there's something wrong don't you?
I'm going to try the marbles today.

 

[lilacamy931]

poor babes Sorry to hear more tail has gone, hope he realises it is silly soon and shiny marbles are much better to play with.

 

[jasminekiddell]

ahh ######, theres gotta be a way out of it, this sounds stupid but maybe try having a nap in the day then stay up all night and when you see him do it tap on the tank every time ( make sure your in the dark but try to see him ) hemust do it at night if you dont see it happen in the day.

 

[jasminekiddell]

I think ive got you a bit of luck ellena, go on this link, http/forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/aq...2148579177.html
scroll down the page tell me what you think.
sorry its the best i could find.