Neon Tetra with bitten off tail fin?

Question

This morning I woke up to find one of my neon tetra with a bitten off tail. I had him in a 10 gallon tank with some minor red tetras, 3 other neons, and some really huge ghost shrimp that petsmart sold me (bigger than the neon tetras). I assumed it was most likely the shrimp that did it, so I moved them to a different tank. My neon with the bitten off tail seemed to be having trouble fighting the current of the filter and the bubbler, so I moved him to a separate 2.75 gallon tank using water from the 10 gallon he was in previously. I have an air stone in there and set its output to very low and he seems to be swimming fine now.  My room temperature is about 72 degrees so his water temperature should be relatively fine. I know he's a living thing and all, but I simply do not have the time or money to buy him a separate full fledged aquarium. Will he be okay in there? If so, how long will it take for his fin to grow back?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I would guess the Red Minor Tetras.

They are known fin nippers, especially in in a small tank or small numbers in the school, They get stressed and start acting up.

From this page
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/characins/serpae.php

"The Serpae Tetra are usually fine in a community situation, however they are not always easy to get along with. Smaller fish especially may become the target of relentless harassment and fin nipping."

This is exactly what you are seeing right?

10gal is a bit small for the Red Minors anyway, I would suggest you swap them for some more neons, which can live happily in a 10gal.

Ian

karen · Answer

I had 6 neon tetras in with my fairly docile betta...after a few days one of them had lost it s tail ( and subsequently died), I moved the tetras into a separate tank blaming the betta - but I ve noticed that the neons are still losing their tails, seems I have a bully tetra! Sorry betta, unfairly blamed it seems....

noselessman · Answer

Tetras need a minimum of 20 gallons.  Serpae tetras get fairly large and need 30 gallons minimum, they are semi aggressive and notorious fin nippers.  Teras need a heater to keep the temperature at at 78 degrees 24/7. None of these fish will survive long in these conditions, much less an injured neon.  Add some salt, stresscoat and or mellifix to prevent infection and promote healing.

Enemy of One · Answer

The shrimp wouldn't have done it. It's more likely that it's the minor tetras.
Tetras also need 20 gallons or more.
Your water is too cold, a temperature below 74F will make your tropical fish lethargic. 
Neons should be in groups of 6-10.
Your tetra should be fine, the reason why it got attacked in the first place is probably because the fish are competing for space in that tiny tank.

? · Answer

Most likely it wont but theres a small chance it might. I know once a part of there body is gone its definate death but a tail...well. Keep him seperate and lots of tlc (tender love and care) should nurse him back to health. Best of luck!!

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Neon Tetra with bitten off tail fin?

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