Fish losing top third of caudal / tail fin?

[scifisarah]

I noticed about four days ago that one of my four Aceis was missing the top third or so of its caudal fin. Now I see another with the exact same injury. It is not ragged at all, just a very clean removal. They are about 2-3" juveniles. Everyone is healthy as far as I can see, eating well, tank fully cycled and not really any aggression that I can see. Could the catfish or plecos be doing this while they are asleep? Any other ideas and will they grow back? 

[djlamonica]

I had to get rid of my group of acei in my mbuna tank, there just not as rough and ragged as most mbuna and stress easier, mine started with minor things like this and just got worse and worse until I gave them to regal.

Mbuna teeth are very sharp and could easily be making clean cuts.

[Regalblue]

I would think it's from a tankmate.  Hard to tell without pictures.; )

[dm3475]

I would have to say the pleco if they are big enough

[scifisarah]

Plecos are only about 2". I watch when they were eating NLS last night and I think my afra male is probably the culprit. It looks like he goes between going after food, and fins. He has quite the set of chompers!

[djlamonica]

yes my guess would be the afra as well.  Plecos arnt notorious for there fin nipping.

[four_by_ken]

I've never heard of a pleco nipping fins.

[djlamonica]

Sucking slim coats yes.  And some times biting fingers.

Let's see if anyone else gets that joke...

[Mastiffman]

I noticed about four days ago that one of my four Aceis was missing the top third or so of its caudal fin. Now I see another with the exact same injury. It is not ragged at all, just a very clean removal. They are about 2-3" juveniles. Everyone is healthy as far as I can see, eating well, tank fully cycled and not really any aggression that I can see. Could the catfish or plecos be doing this while they are asleep? Any other ideas and will they grow back? 

 Yes they will grow back. I use API salts in all of my aqauriums and the salt enhibits fungus from growing on woulds like this. But You can use Melafix  @ 1tsp/50gal of "pond strength" concentrate and this supposed to"Rapidly Repair Damaged Fins" but this may be referring to fins that are Shreaded. Not Cut clean off... But will do nothing to fish except help IMO... Just use proper dosage per container instructions whatever you or get..