Fin Nipping Neons

[devind0446]

I've got 9 neon tetras and a betta in my 20 gallon planted tank and my betta's fins have been a bit beat up for a while now and I've been trying to find the cause. Finally determined that the neons are nipping at his fins and tail. What can I do to fix this and make sure my betta recovers nicely? Thanks!

[Ken Dyer]

I have never had neons be fin nippers (but have definitely heard they can be). For my kerri tetras I noticed they nip and aggress much less if they are in larger numbers. Perhaps quarantining another batch of neons to up their numbers would calm them down? And if nothing else, more neons never sounds like a bad idea to me 😄 

Edited November 16, 2020 by Ken Dyer
speeling ;)

[ange]

In my experience, fin nipping is best dealt with by purchasing more fish to keep the nippers occupied or providing another form of enrichment that's more enticing than fins. I'm risk averse so usually end up separating the fish.