How to Treat a Black Fin Shark for Fin Rot

The brackish water black fin shark is also known as the Columbian shark, Jordan's catfish or the West American cat shark. Fin rot is caused by the aeromonas and pseudomonas bacteria that lie dormant in most aquariums. Vulnerable fish can develop fin rot when their immunity is lowered from stress, injuries or exposure to poor water conditions. If your black fin shark shows signs of fin rot, carry out an immediate partial water change to improve water quality and start a course of treatment with a commercial fin rot solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber aquarium gloves
  • Bucket
  • Siphon
  • Water dechlorinator
  • Floating thermometer
  • Commercial fin rot solution
  • Marine salt
  • Hydrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish an accurate diagnosis before embarking on a course of fin rot treatment. Symptoms of fin rot include frayed, ragged and split fins with a white edge or streaks of blood in the fish's soft tissue. Injuries from nipped fins, fighting and spawning often develop into fin rot in unhealthy water conditions.

    • 2

      Put on the aquarium gloves and remove about a third of your tank water using a siphon and bucket. Black fin sharks have venomous dorsal fins and, although they are a peaceful fish, you should always wear protective equipment as a precaution when carrying out tank maintenance.

    • 3

      Prepare fresh water with dechlorinator and marine salt in a bucket, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Drop a floating thermometer into the bucket, and add warm or cold water until the water in the bucket is the same temperature as the water in your aquarium. Black fin sharks are brackish fish, so establish your normal salt levels to match the salinity of your main aquarium with a hydrometer, as you would for a regular water change.

    • 4

      Pour the treated water into your aquarium and continue to replenish your aquarium with further buckets of prepared water in the same way, but add a commercial fin rot treatment solution to the last bucket of water. There is a wide range of brands available, all with different dosage methods and treatment recommendations, so read the instructions carefully on your chosen brand for correct administration and dosage frequency.

    • 5

      Carry out regular partial water changes at least once a week until you see an improvement in your black fin shark's health. Continue to administer the fin rot medication, according to dosage instructions, for the recommended treatment time.