My cories have been de-finned!!!

[tear-scar]

I have 4 fish called s. barbatus (formerly known as corydoras barbatus) but . . . They've had a major problem. I came home today to find 3 of them with their whole tail-fins removed! One of the three is dead. There was one healthy one left, and I moved him to a different tank.


Water parameters are normal but . . .


Unlike their cory relatives, these guys have territorial tendencies, and it's not impossible that the healthy fish was the reason for the injuries but . . . What do you think? Is this something the 1 did to the others? But if it was a barbatus inflicted wound, wouldn't it be in the form of slashes instead of tails being chewed off? Barbatus attack each others with barbs on the sides of their heads.

Would a betta do this to the cats?

Is this a disease? If so, then why are betta and 4th cat unaffected?

Most importantly, do the other 2 have any chance of survival? They seem almost unable to swim properly, and barely can stay upright! Is there anything I can do???

 

[MrMashashin]

List all the fish in the tank with the cats

 

[a1wonder]

No cories wouldn't do this to each other and I don't belive the betta would either, most couldn't give a hoot about anything but another betta that or maybe a gourami. It must be somthing else in your tank. I'd put the poor little guys into a spare tank and start treating them with melafix. Don't worry their tails will grow back if you give them time. But i'd be more worried about what is going to happen to the other fish currently in your tank and that betta with his long flowing fins.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi tear-scar

I'm trying to find an answer from someone who might have firsthand experience with them. In the meanwhile, please try to rule out the possibility that it might be some kind of bacterial infection.

It's hard to believe that these fish could do that to each other at a young age. Since they are new to your tank and bacterial infection could cause that kind of damage very quickly under the right conditions, it's not an impossibility.

I will go to my lfs and talk to the owner. Perhaps he might know.

Meanwhile, good luck with them. I'll be hoping for the best.