Why Do Certain Cichla Have Naturally Serrated Fins?

Blakewater

Aimara
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Apr 27, 2018
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I've wondered this for a while but never really took the time to look into it. Turns out as I looked into it I couldnt find anything, anyway. Basically, I'm curious why one of my PB's has serrated fin edges on all fins while the same trait isnt seen in any of my other bass? When he arrived the fins were smooth and "normal". As he's grown all of his fins (except for his pelvic fins) have transformed from being smooth to a uniform ridged pattern. Right now he's around 13.5". Even one of the other bass who's a sibling of the PB in question doesn't have any signs of this occurring to him although matching his brother in size. The only thing I can think of is it could be a sign of being the alpha? Or is it a sign of sexual maturity? I've seen the serration happen in a few other pictures of bass but those were mainly monoculus. I can 100% guarantee it has nothing to do with any kind of nitrate or ammonia burn as I keep my water PRISTINE. Plus, it's too uniform to be something like that and it only occurs on this one fish. Just wondering what the cause is of this. I'm not worried so much as just curious. I vaguely think I remember seeing this on other cichlids as well, maybe a cichlid expert could chime in? Thanks!

Pics for example
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Last edited:

Blakewater

Aimara
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Apr 27, 2018
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Bump on this. Curious if it could be a gender thing. Sorry for the blurry pic but this is from tonight as an update. The serrations have gotten more intense on this guy whereas on the other bass who are bigger have fins remaining rounded and smooth. 124636531_378661230044317_6074826574541801242_n.jpg
 

dr exum

Goliath Tigerfish
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Sep 29, 2007
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interesting, i’ll be on the look out for this....
 

Tony A.

Peacock Bass
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Aug 22, 2016
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It's not torn or damaged fins , kind of like the hump on the head some get and other's don't.
 

Tony A.

Peacock Bass
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Aug 22, 2016
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That broko has some nice ones that's a super gorges bass?????
 

TheWolfman

Goliath Tigerfish
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Sep 5, 2010
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I’ve noticed it on my fish too. I think it’s just something that comes with age as the fish grows larger. My kel has always had a streamer on its anal fin like tony A. mentioned.
7978639E-01FE-4522-9452-C16D741EF81B.jpeg8B15A294-9059-4CD4-9272-BAFFB5664B15.jpeg
 
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