Causes of Betta Fish Tail Biting: 5 Common Reasons Expl

Common Causes of Tail Loss in Dragonfish

1. Sudden Startle

Dragonfish can become extremely startled, often due to changes in their environment. This sudden distress can lead them to thrash about wildly, potentially resulting in tail injuries. To prevent this, it's crucial to maintain a calm and stable living environment for your dragonfish. Avoid frequently altering the tank's background, scenery, or decorations, as these changes can cause stress or a lack of trust in their surroundings. Additionally, consider introducing gentle tankmates to provide companionship and a sense of security, which can help alleviate stress and reduce incidents of tailbiting or taildropping.

2. Suppression in Community Tanking

Dragonfish are territorial and may engage in fights over territory, especially when other fish are present. These altercations can result in tail injuries. This behavior is more common during the day or under bright lighting, and tends to decrease at night. It's advisable to avoid housing multiple dragonfish together to prevent such conflicts and potential injuries.

3. Improper Feeding Techniques

If food is always thrown into the tank in large handfuls, it can sink to the bottom, forcing dragonfish to dive down repeatedly to retrieve it. Over time, this constant bending and swimming downwards can lead to tail damage. Opt for floating food that dragonfish can consume before it reaches the bottom of the tank, which is more beneficial for their health and tail integrity.

4. Poorly Designed Aquarium Water Outflow

If the aquarium's water outflow is directed downward, or if there's a direct downward force from the pump, dragonfish's tails may be subjected to constant downward pressure, which can cause tail injuries over time. It's important to choose an appropriately designed aquarium and ensure that filters and other equipment are installed correctly to avoid such issues.

In summary, the OxyPet Doctor has outlined several reasons for dragonfish tail loss. We hope that after reading this article, you will take extra precautions to prevent tail injuries in your dragonfish. Tail loss can significantly impact their appearance and overall wellbeing.