Fin trimming?

[DHarris]

I know some people trim the tails on some fish to have them regrow properly if damaged but is this doable on catfish with hard bony fins?

I have an Irwini that I've grown out from about an inch to a little over a foot. one of it's pectoral fins has always been deformed but each time the fish comes out it looks worse. The bone basically curls and it folding back over onto it's self now. If I were to cut the pectoral fin off just before where it begins to curve, would it regrow? Not sure if it's only soft fins that are capable of regrowing or bony ones too.

Thanks.

 

[krichardson]

I have trimmed a few of my fish's fins in order for them to grow back more "normal" looking....most recently I trimmed a nice sized pangasius catfish that did have a stiff bony spine in the fin..I cut the damaged fins almost all the way down to the body due to the deep tear in them and they have all grown back.The fins were damaged as a result of fighting other fish.In the case of your fish I am not sure the fin will regrow properly as the "curling" you've described sounds like it might be a genetic defect.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

If I read you right, Krich, you have not touched the leading hard spine and only worked with the rest of the fins that you fixed. Right?

IME damage to the leading hard spine ray is usually rather inconsequential, if the damage is confined to the tip or the outermost 1/4-1/3. The missing part usually grows back more or less ok. If 1/2 or more of a hard spine is broken off, it might not grow back to the same size and shape it had been before and usually doesn't in my little experience - either doesn't grow back at all, or grows back smaller, or deformed, or smaller and deformed.

If you try it, it might come out better given the starting horrible disfigurement. I do wonder if Krich is right about genetics, albeit I can't say I have ever been met with such a case in the irwinies.

Also, a photo could help us understand the problem better. In some fish the gradual curving up of pectoral fins , e.g., in the related Pterodoras granulosus, looks normal or at least not terrible.

 

[krichardson]

Viktor,I have cut dorsal as well as pectoral fins straight across and almost all the way down to where the fin connects to the body of the fish so yes,the hard spines were cut.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Viktor,I have cut dorsal as well as pectoral fins straight across and almost all the way down to where the fin connects to the body of the fish so yes,the hard spines were cut.

And the fins grew back full size and right shape!? Amazing! I am glad to hear of an experience vastly different and so much more positive than mine.

Perhaps the factor enabling success is to keep the recovering fish solo or with the most timid of tank mates, which has never been my case...

 

[krichardson]

They did,full length streamers and all on my paroon shark.I'll admit tp being reluctant about doing the trimming at first but it would never have had it's beautiful trailing fins if I hadn't. I actually had to re cut the wedge shaped anal fin as it still took on an odd shape as it regrew,I did not cut it far down enough the first time apparently. .It was deeply torn and just looked awfully deformed after it was allowed to heal uncorrected.
I did not keep the fish separated from the others after cutting,I kept it in the same tank and it carried on as normally as it could in it's condition until the finnage regrew.I do feel that the process has to be stressful to the fish to some degree and I hope that I do not have to it again to any others.