🩹 Fin Rot

Fin rot is a common bacterial infection that causes progressive deterioration of fish fins. It typically starts at the fin edges and works inward, potentially reaching the body if untreated. Fin rot is almost always secondary to poor water quality or stress, making prevention straightforward.

📋 Quick Facts

🔍 Identification

Early Signs

• Milky white edges - Fins look cloudy at tips
• Slight fraying - Minor raggedness
• Color fading - Fins lose vibrancy

Moderate Infection

• Obvious fraying - Fins look tattered
• Receding fins - Getting shorter
• Red or bloody edges - Inflammation visible

Severe Infection

• Fins mostly gone - Down to nubs
• Body involvement - Infection spreading
• Lethargy, loss of appetite - Fish very sick
• Secondary infections - Fungus may appear

⚠️ Common Causes

• Poor water quality - High ammonia/nitrite, low oxygen
• Overcrowding - Stress and poor water
• Aggressive tankmates - Nipped fins become infected
• Temperature stress - Too cold or fluctuating
• Poor nutrition - Weakened immune system
• Rough decorations - Fin damage leads to infection

💊 Treatment

Step 1: Improve Water Quality (Essential)

• Test water parameters immediately
• Perform 25-50% water change
• Vacuum gravel to remove waste
• Ensure filter is functioning properly
• Continue daily small water changes

Step 2: Aquarium Salt (Mild Cases)

• Add 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons
• Helps fish produce protective slime coat
• Mild antibacterial properties
• Not suitable for all species (check first)

Step 3: Medication (Moderate to Severe)

• API Fin & Body Cure - Good first choice
• Kanaplex - For stubborn infections
• Maracyn/Maracyn 2 - Broad spectrum
• Melafix - Mild cases, natural treatment
• Remove carbon during treatment
• Follow package directions completely

Step 4: Supportive Care

• Maintain optimal temperature for species
• Feed high-quality food
• Reduce stress (dim lights, hiding spots)
• Isolate severely affected fish if needed

⏱️ Recovery Timeline

🛡️ Prevention

• Maintain water quality - Weekly water changes, test regularly
• Don't overcrowd - Follow stocking guidelines
• Compatible tankmates - Avoid fin nippers
• Proper temperature - Stable, species-appropriate
• Good nutrition - Varied, high-quality diet
• Quarantine new fish - Prevent disease introduction

📚 Summary

Fin rot is almost always a water quality or stress issue. The single most important treatment is improving water conditions - many mild cases resolve with water changes alone. Medications help moderate to severe cases but won't work if underlying conditions aren't addressed. With proper care, fins can regrow completely, though severe damage may result in permanent changes. Prevention through good husbandry is far easier than treatment.