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I purchased three sterba's corydoras from a local petshop mainly because they were being literally eaten up alive in a tank where they kept botias and ompoks. Sterbas here are not cheap- about 5.50 US dollars per fish compared to the relatively cheap panda corydoras (about 1 US dollar)so I had to bargain with the salesman arguing that nobody else in their right mind would buy them considering their fins are already very badly torn up. I also gave him this speech admonishing the store for wilfully putting the little guys through botia hell. He replied, lamely, that their fins will grow back anyway.

Well, it's been a month and their fins have not grown back yet. Other than that they are active and looking pretty healthy. I am seeing a very slight sign of tailfin growth from the one torn up the worst, still, I am worried that because their fins are chewed up to the bone, maybe they would not grow back anymore. Is this possible? How long does it take for the fins to grow back, if at all? Are there medications, supplements, or food that would aid the regeneration process?

Thanks!

Starsky,there's a sticky note at the top of the page and it lists all the parameters you should list in your posting. This will help people help you quicker I'm glad you rescued those Cories! I don't know much about these situations, but I do know that patience is required.

Things you might try:

1. Melafix - if there's slight redness or irritation in the area of fin damage, this can help take care of that and encourage regrowth.
2. Feed a variety of good-quality, high-protein foods
3. Of course, keep water quality high
4. Try to make sure the fish aren't stressed - give plenty of hiding places, make sure they're in a group, etc.

There can be damage done that is irreparable, and it will probably take longer than a month to tell if regrowth is going to happen. I have a group of rescue cories that have been regrowing fins and barbels for about 6 months now.

I hope that helps!

Jen

Thanks Jen! Will try your suggestions. Those poor traumatized cories deserve some TLC after all the beating. I do not like patronizing irresponsible petshops , but when it comes to cories, I really couldn't help it. So tiny and helpless. It was horrible seeing them being nipped at by botias!

Haven't been monitoring water parameters lately. This is all the info I can give:
Temerature range: 26-29 degrees celsius
Water change frequency: 30 percent every 5 days

Tank set up:
a) Size: 15 gallon rectangular tank
b) Substrate: small rounded pebbles
c) Filtration: biological sponge filter
d) Furnishings: bogwood, java moss, java fern, rock caves
e) Other tank mates: panda, agassizii/delphax, caudimaculatus, schwartzi
f) How long has it been set-up? 11 months

Action taken (if any): observation

Medications used (if any): None

Sorry about not giving this info earlier because the sterbai really do look healthy (and grateful that they got away from the botias!) aside from the damage already done in the shop.