About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Recently I have purchased a Silver Arowana, which I named Noono, and it was probably the coolest fish I'd ever bought, but just the other night I noticed that its dorsal fin was not normal. It wasn't erect like some other Arowanas with full-standing dorsal fins. And The dorsal fin of Noono looks "choppy". I'm starting to think that it was because Noono is still young, and hasn't fully developed its features yet, but I'm not for sure. So if you could help Christy, I'd appreciate it deeply, and thanks in advance!
Answer Hi Tom
If the fins looks tattered, torn, are disappearing, then I would consider that he may have fin/tail rot.
First, check your water quality and make sure ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm, nitrates under 20 ppm. If that's fine, then check if there's tank mates in with him-is anyone nipping it's fins, any fighting or bullying?
Usually when you see fin/tail rot, it's related to water quality though. And, most of the time just making the water quality good is enough to let the fish heal on it's own. If it's far along though, an antibiotic like Maracyn Two or tetracycline should be used in conjunction with taking care of the water quality.
As far as if it's still young and developing it's fins, I can't honestly say. I've never had an arowana, can't have that large of a tank in my house lol. I would suggest checking that info with someone more familiar with that specific breed to see if that's the case. But, "choppy" as a description makes me think of fin rot.
