Talbot Damsel Fin rot?

[Glowstix]

Just bought these talbots and was noticed that their fins looked like they have fin rot, is this the case?

 

[exnisstech]

They look like they have been victims of aggression. If you bought them locally I would be going back.

EDIT. Damsels also should not be bagged together. None of my local fish stores will put more than one fish in a bag unless it's feeder fish.

 

[Glowstix]

Could they still regrow?

 

[exnisstech]

Its possible but lets get an informed opinion
#fishmedic

 

[skey44]

Yeah they look pretty tattered. Fish fins have an amazing capacity to regrow. Did you observe the fish before you purchased? Looks like they both have the damage. I agree it may have happened in the bag. Hopefully you are placing them in quarantine/observation to condition them and they will be ok. I tried a trio of azure damsels and only the strongest one made it through QT due to aggression. Pretty peaceful fish but can get really aggressive in small spaces with conspecifics. I would bet against “fin rot” in this case. They just look beat up.

 

[Glowstix]

This is my first tank, fluval evo 13.5, no qt yet but I have a 25 liter empty tank, is it worth using a sponge or buying a hob filter. The damsels are the only inhabitants.

 

[skey44]

It’s up to you what you try here. I don’t think the tattered fins are necessarily indicative of a diseased fish. At this point if you weren’t going to QT and observe before, at least you won’t be harming any other inhabitants by dropping them in and trying to get them conditioned in your display.
I have found it difficult in my time as a hobbyist to run an uncycled QT tank. Though many do it with frequent water changes it just hasn’t worked for me (fish get stressed and die before I can change the water).
If it was me in your situation i’d likely drop them in and hope for the best at this point. It’s unlikely the fish store will take the fish back if they left the store not in this condition, though I do agree damsels should never be packed two to a bag if possible. You could always give them a call and see what they can do for you. Every store has different policies as far as situations like this go. Not sure your situation as far as location relative to the store where you bought them and ability to return for some without tattered fins and make sure they only pack one to a bag. Best of luck! Keep us updated.

 

[Glowstix]

Thanks

 

[skey44]

A sponge filter/bubbler with an uncycled tank is adequate for QT as long as you are prepared to change the water frequently (possibly daily).
Best of luck. I hope it works out for the best for your new fish friends. Don’t be discouraged, most of us have had something like this happen at the beginning! Unfortunately it’s a steep learning curve and mistakes/unfortunate things can happen even with the most experienced aquarists.
Of all the damsels Talbots are a good choice IMO.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Just bought these talbots and was noticed that their fins looked like they have fin rot, is this the case?

Whoa - did they have that damage at the store? If so, they shouldn’t have sold them to you. If the fish were good at the store, they must have fought while in the bag - pretty rare, but damsels can be pretty nasty.