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I have taken in an orphan Cory into one of my tanks, I've set it up as a hospital tank. I can't tell what kind it is yet, i think it may be a Leucomelas. My neighbor had it in a tank with a sand bottom. The cory has no whiskers, in fact it has a shade of pink around it's mouth. It has adjusted well, it is eating bloodworms and flake, and is active and overall appears generally healthy. Will these whiskers grow back? Should I avoid or add a specific substrate to assist it?

If there are no sign of any barbel stumps then the chances are pretty remote that they will regenerate. The best substrate would be very fine smooth grained sand.

Ian

What causes this condition? His tank looks relatively clean, the other fish seem to be healthy. I don't think he checks his water chemistry, he has the typical Gouramis and neon tetras and such.

Barbels can deteriorate from bacterial infections.

Mark

Barbels can wear down from sharp substrate. I would guess the pink is a resulting surface infection. I had luck treating ulcers on a goldfish with Melafix, so if the sores don't go away, maybe you could try that.