Candy basslet got complete tail cut off..

[Michael43]

so I have a candy basslet pair and the bigger guy I found with his tail completely chopped off. Just a little white stump left. So upsetting. On the good side he's eating fine and swims pretty good. Doesn't show signs of infection. It either happened from the god dang 6 line wrasse I assume in the tank or got to close to the powerhead. I caught them both and have in an acclimation box. Should I just let it stay in here and feed healthy foods and pray or should I pull it and medicate in quarantine. Some pics for reference.

 

[Humblefish]

I would give the fish an acriflavine bath and then followup by dosing Kanaplex in a QT for him.

More info on antibiotic use: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/antibiotics.283711/

 

[lauderdalestunner]

My LFS Has a yellow tang with no tail named Lucky :). He's been living in the coral display system for a few years now. He's thriving and manages to move around very well.

 

[Michael43]

I was hoping to ride it out with going to a QT but if you think that's best I'll do it. Can the tail grow back?

 

[Humblefish]

Can the tail grow back?

Depends on the amount of damage done. It's also entirely possible the tail will be fine without treatment, but once an infection shows up then it's usually too late. :(

 

[Michael43]

It's been like this for about 3-4 days now. Figured I'd ask some opinions

 

[AcroNem]

At work (public aquarium) we have a piranha that has been missing its tail since we got it. I don't work with freshwater there so I'm not sure on its story but as long as it doesn't get infected, bullied by other fish or put in too much flow that it can't handle I think it should be fine.

 

[melypr1985]

Depends on the amount of damage done. It's also entirely possible the tail will be fine without treatment, but once an infection shows up then it's usually too late. :(

Agreed. It's best to head it off. I've seen tails grow back, but there was no damage done to anything but the fin rays themselves in that instance.