What Is This?

[SarahMarie]

I looked at my new female platy this morning and it looks like some of her dorsal fin is missing! Slightly on her tail too. What could this be and is there anything I can do to sort it out? I've only had her about 24 hours!!
My ammonia and nitrite are both at 0 and ph is around 7. Only about 5ppm nitrate too so it can't be the water. Anyone got any advice for me? Any help would be really great
Oh and she's in the tank with 5 other platies. Only 2 male. And 3 xray tetras

 

[the_lock_man]

Is there anything rough or sharp in there that she could have snagged her fin on? Plastic plants or other decor?

 

[SarahMarie]

I don't think so. I've got some live plants, a piece of bogwood and a couple of fake plants in the corner. I don't think they're sharp or anything though. The other fish swim amongst them all the time and haven't had any problems?

 

[SarahMarie]

Here's a pic of my tank just so you can see. The fake plants are the ones in the left corner

 

[the_lock_man]

I'd be surprised if it was shredded like that by another platy, whilst they are a little boisterous, it's not to that degree. I'd run your hand around the plastic plants, and around the bogwood, just to see if there's any sharp bits there. Also have a good look at the filter inlet and outlet to see if there's anything sharp there.

 

[SarahMarie]

Thanks so much. I'll check when I get home. Is there anything I can do for her to help?
I've just found quite a sharp point on the bogwood. Perhaps it was that?

 

[SarahMarie]

Is there and medication I'd have to give her or will her fins grow back in time?

 

[the_lock_man]

It could easily have been that - try and smooth it off somehow.
 
Just be extra scrupulous about water changes for a few weeks - you could try Melafix, which is good stuff, but for fin repairs, good clean water as all you actually need, IMHO.

 

[SarahMarie]

I've filed it down so it's more blunt now thanks for the replies! I'll do more water changes for the next few weeks then. Great advice

 

[the_lock_man]

Hope it recovers.