I have had 2 fish in a tank for 2 1/2 years, one is a fantail goldfish and the other is a brown/yellow type of goldfish.

Recently the fantail has taken to floating on its side in the corner of the tank, which I am assuming that is caused by over feeding flakes to it.

Unfortunatley whilst this fish was poorley the other fish started taking chunks out of its rear fins. Once I noticed I separated them immediatley, putting the fantail into a small tank I use when Im doing cleans etc. The fantail has been in there for a couple of days now, and is swimming the correct way. About 75% of the rear fins have been eaten by the other fish, and the fin on the top looks a bit tattered and torn. The body of the fish looks just fine and healthy and he is swimming around and going where he wants.

Ive been feeding the fish on peas and ants eggs since the incident, and as I said the fantail seems a lot better in itself.

It seems to be that this fish has become very sensitive to the flakes I am using, I have been cutting down on the amount of food I feed them, to the point that I feel sorry for them only getting a couple of flakes a day each. It seems whenever I feed them flakes they get swim bladder. I feed them peas and ants eggs also to give them some varietly.

My real question is will the rear fins grow back? If not what affect will it have on the fish?

Would it be ok to put the fish back together in a couple of days when Im happy that the fantail is able to defend itself? Or will the other fish just think its tea-time?


Thanks for lookin

Jon

hi jon

your fishes tail should mend well on its own. only interfere if you notice any fungus. whilst its recooperating keep the water in really good condition. you will need test kits to watch for any changes and regular water changes too. what size tank is the main one and whats the size hes in now?
once hes better you can try to reintroduce them but as the other is a common its highly likely he will keep eating the slower fishes tail.

as for the swim bladder you might have to pre soak any flake you give him to stop gasses forming in his gut. try feeding him peas and blanched lettuce and live food as treats. theres a recipe somewhere for gel foods which help greatly in aiding sbd fish. im sure some nice person will find you the link.

http://dataguru.org/misc/aquarium/Food.html found it . you should get test kits for nitrate, nitrite, ph and ammonia to start with. take some water to your lfs if you dont have any and post back the results, you could also fill in the above boxes and this too will help people to help you.

Maybe the other fish was only eating the fantails fins because it was hungry too? Was it also only getting a couple of flakes a day?

Maybe you should fatten him up before you put the fish back together.

The main tank is 24"x18"x10"

I know your going to say thats too small, but its all the space Ive got.


The temporary tank is only about 10 litres, but Im changing the water every day.



The fish are about 3".


Theres no sign of finrot at the moment which is good.


I usually soak the flakes for 10 minutes before I feed the fish.


The fish seem to prefer the flakes to anything else Ive tried. ie peas, frozen blood worm, pellets.


I was originally advised to feed fish once a day 3 flakes each. I probably feed them 5 flakes each. There seems to be conflicting views on feeding once a day or twice a day. Theyve been happy on once a day for two and a half years...



Thanks for the advice.

Jon

That sounds Ok Jon but if you have the time to feed twice a day try adding another smaller meal - say an extra 3 flakes each.

Your fish are bound to have grown in 2 & 1/2 years and probably need more food to keep going.

I don't always notice fish growth myself because I see them everyday but friends who see them now and again always comment that they have grown.