Fin growback question

[brett559]

I just got a flame angel. The coloration and stripes are among the best I've seen. However, it has some nipped fins. Specifically on the back fins (not the tail) - the blue/purple fins. There is a little gap in the fin, i.e. it goes to the base of the fin, to the fish's body.

Any chance that gap will fill back in? I know nipped fins recover, but this is more like a split than a nip.

I once had a blue tang with a split side fin that never grew back.

[brett559]

Here's a picture:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zs4m6yl4yfjxdf1/Fins.png?dl=0

The top blue/purple fin above his tail.

[knutrainer]

I think if the fin get nipped all the way down to the fishes body it wont grow back.

[brett559]

In looking at it closer it doesn't appear to be all the way down to the body of the fish. Some on this forum had tails eaten entirely that came back. So we'll see. Hopefully it will

[Giovanni]

It probably depends on the species of fish. That said, I have a friend with a yellow tang with almost no fins from poor water conditions and disease. It could badly swim and I would have euthanized it. After we fixed the water and treated the fish, you cannot tell it ever had a problem.

[ThRoewer]

I think if the fin get nipped all the way down to the fishes body it wont grow back.

^^This. As long as the fin root is intact it will heal and regenerate.
Split or torn fins will usually heal very quickly. If the bone is damaged it may take longer, depending if it is a hard rayed or a soft rayed fin.

The fish in the posted picture should be fine within a couple of weeks.

[brett559]

These animals are amazing. The split part was completely healed this morning. The small nips in his top fins are still there, but I know those will come back. Nature is awesome.

[OrionN]

That is a Male Flame angel. If you get him healthy, his fins will be fine. You got your work cut out for you.

[brett559]

In what way? I've kept them before without issue. It will be the only angel in the tank.

[OrionN]

he is thin and kinda raggedy. If you get him to eat, I think he will be OK

[Stevenliu9]

I cannot recall a fish with nipped or torn fin to not grow back once the cause has been eliminated.

[brett559]

I just added him yesterday. He ate NLS pellets today - good sign.

Thanks everyone!