losing whiskers

[jimmyB]

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?

[Coryman]

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

[jimmyB]

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.

[corybreed]

Barbels can deteriorate from bacterial infections.

Mark

[allis64]

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.