Bichir “split” tail

[Caveden]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

Uhhh

If yes, what is your nitrite?

Uhhh

If yes, what is your nitrate?

Uhhh

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

51-60%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Shown from the picture, the new bichir I received has a split tail. The person whom I bought it from said it has been like that since it was small.

Krismo962 stated it is fixable by cutting the tail and letting it regrow back. How do I cut it? I don’t trust myself, never done an operation on a fish before. I do have clove oil, should I sedate it first?

 

[Krismo962]

I fixed it on a 6" polli (still growing) I don't know if that makes a difference ,so don't take my word for it.

I do have clove oil, should I sedate it first?

Mine was calm so I just used a wet towel (to hold it in place) and a sharp razor blade.

 

[Krismo962]

Vancouver_98683

 

[Caveden]

Do you cut the edges of the tail? I have no clue at all

 

[tlindsey]

Do you cut the edges of the tail? I have no clue at all

Don't cut the edge of the tail.

 

[duanes]

With any fish (doesn't matter what kind), if the tail is split into the caudal flesh, it may be impossible to fix.
It usually only repairs if it is on the soft membrane, a superficial tear often self corrects
The Paratilapia below, was unfixable

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Paratilapia/.highres/IMG_1483_zpse390ca15.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

another shot

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Paratilapia/.highres/047_zps736741a5.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

 

[Caveden]

Oh. I thought it would be able to grow back after cutting. How far is the extent of the damage on my bichirs tail?
i thought different because Vancouver_98683 cut his bichirs tail and it grew back

 

[The Masked Shadow]

Yeeesh. That’s pretty deep. You got yourself a fortailed bichir!

 

[Caveden]

Yeeesh. That’s pretty deep. You got yourself a fortailed bichir!

I rather it normal looking lol. Can’t complain as the seller gave it to me for free. If it’s fixable I’ll try to fix it, if not it’s fine as well.

 

[duanes]

To me, these type tears and scars are a normal part of fish life, in tanks, and in nature.

In the video above a good proportion of the cichlids have scars, rips and splits.
And below (along with a number of the uropthalmus) the 1st Jack Dempsey coming into view has a major split in the caudal.