CAN YOU CUT FISHES FINS?

Water

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jan 29, 2007
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A picture might help inform this discussion.

I personally see fixing a twisted fin as setting a broken arm. People on here make unfair comparisons to cutting off fingers and arms. If you don't cut bone/spine you are doing no such thing. Fingers don't grow back fins do FYI.
He does not like the way his fish looks when it swims because he believes his fish does not "use it very well." Cutting a fin is not necessary, since its just a cosmetic thing. But whatever, if he wants to cut it, its his choice. I just won't be sympathetic when he comes back posting a thread on how to cure his fish's rotting fin or something of the sort.
 

Nighttouch

Gambusia
MFK Member
Oct 14, 2010
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He does not like the way his fish looks when it swims because he believes his fish does not "use it very well." Cutting a fin is not necessary, since its just a cosmetic thing. But whatever, if he wants to cut it, its his choice. I just won't be sympathetic when he comes back posting a thread on how to cure his fish's rotting fin or something of the sort.
And how would you know that the fish not using his fin well means the OP doesn't like the way the fn looks? Don't be so presumptuous.

BOTTOM LINE: The fish has a bad fin that prevents him from swimming properly, which can likely be fixed. Would you not help any of your pets improve mobility if you could? If your dog was hit by a car and his leg was broken, wouldn't you take him to the vet? The vet can set the broken bone, but it would hurt, and dogs can get around on three legs, right?

Stop making it out like the OP wants to hurt his fish for fun, he's trying to HELP his fish.
 

skjl47

Goliath Tigerfish
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May 16, 2011
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Hello; Is there a term for subsquent posters using a thread to actively discuss their differing points of view? Just curious. I usually enjoy these exchanges as they often result in some very interesting comments.
I usually leave fish with deformities alone if they are not in some sort of distress. There is often is not much that can be done anyway. With fins there is some chance of success in what is proposed. The fish may come out with a better quality of life. The down side is some risk by doing the proceedure of infection and even further reduced mobility.
The OP has the best view of the problems and in the end has the final say. From the posts thus far several have clipped fins with good results.
 

Bottomfeeder

Dovii
MFK Member
Aug 4, 2008
6,063
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If the fish really cant use it right then maybe, but I'm talking like, can BARELY swim. Clipping a bone would probably really hurt. Unless it's life or death, dont do it.
 

Water

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jan 29, 2007
3,370
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And how would you know that the fish not using his fin well means the OP doesn't like the way the fn looks? Don't be so presumptuous.

BOTTOM LINE: The fish has a bad fin that prevents him from swimming properly, which can likely be fixed. Would you not help any of your pets improve mobility if you could? If your dog was hit by a car and his leg was broken, wouldn't you take him to the vet? The vet can set the broken bone, but it would hurt, and dogs can get around on three legs, right?

Stop making it out like the OP wants to hurt his fish for fun, he's trying to HELP his fish.
Read the first comment posted by the OP. He says the bone kinks down causing the fin to not work right. Cutting the fin won't make a difference. You suggest he cut the bone? Lets see how well his fish would swim after that. With a dog, it would be receiving professional help. Not some owner who wants to play "doctor" on a fish.
 

Piicklez

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 16, 2011
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Midlands, England.
SORRY but you appear to be deliberately pping me off. I dont need you to be 'sympathetic' when im playing 'doctor'. just guessing you've been having trouble reeding lately, if so then read my EARLIER post.... - - - 'oh and i dont mean cut the whole fin off, to be more clear its probably about half an inch before the kink appears. i would just have to cut through the bones that go through the fin. I wont do it anyway. it would cause too much bother.'
He does not like the way his fish looks when it swims because he believes his fish does not "use it very well." Cutting a fin is not necessary, since its just a cosmetic thing. But whatever, if he wants to cut it, its his choice. I just won't be sympathetic when he comes back posting a thread on how to cure his fish's rotting fin or something of the sort.
 

Warlock

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2005
229
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In Limbo
And how would you know that the fish not using his fin well means the OP doesn't like the way the fn looks? Don't be so presumptuous.

BOTTOM LINE: The fish has a bad fin that prevents him from swimming properly, which can likely be fixed. Would you not help any of your pets improve mobility if you could? If your dog was hit by a car and his leg was broken, wouldn't you take him to the vet? The vet can set the broken bone, but it would hurt, and dogs can get around on three legs, right?

Stop making it out like the OP wants to hurt his fish for fun, he's trying to HELP his fish.
I get where your coming from bro but it obviously isnt necessary, and im not sure if someone who doesnt understand the simple concept of fishes is not the plural of fish should be doing any cosmetics/surgery to their fish...

Also i'd like to see a video of this fish swimming around, i doubt its detrimental to his quality of life, after all hes in an aquarium (probably no bigger than 100g) how much swimming can he really do anyways..
 
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