How to Fix Ripped Fins on a Freshwater Catfish

Freshwater fish such as catfish commonly suffer from torn or ripped fins due to fighting with other fish or environmental factors in the aquarium. Most catfish fins will heal on their own if healthy tank conditions are maintained and other fish are not harming them. Occasionally, fins can become infected with bacteria known as fin rot that can be deadly and should be treated with medication.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning sponge or brush
  • Syphon hose
  • Water conditioner
  • MelaFix
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the quality of the aquarium water by assessing the color, smell, and surface tension of the water. The color of the water should be clear or slightly green. The water should smell fresh or "river-like," but not sour. Test the water tension by placing some food on the surface of the water. If it disperses quickly and eventually sinks, the tension is good. If the food stays grouped on top of the water, the tension is bad.

    • 2

      Change the water and clean the aquarium if the water is an undesirable color, smell or has bad water tension. Use an aquarium sponge or brush to remove algae growing on the glass, rocks or decorative items. To change the water, empty up to half of the water out of the aquarium by scooping or syphoning it out. Add fresh, room-temperature water to fill the aquarium. Add a water conditioner to ensure the quality of the new water is optimal.

    • 3

      Feed and monitor your catfish regularly to make sure that the damaged fins begin healing. If the fins develop a milky, filmy look and seem to be getting progressively worse, your fish may have fin rot. Purchase a fin rot medication, such as MelaFix, and follow the dosage information listed on the label.

    • 4

      Separate aggressive fish into multiple aquariums, if fin damage is due to fighting.