it could also just be a birth defect, it was a very neat straight line in the fin though as if cut, its a weird 1 we'll never find out the reason/cause i expect.and we can wonder for ever..............

kev.

and ever .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ........................................

Hi,
First post on the site, hope it's of interest.

I think you'll find that the fish has not been clipped (as per the 80's 'fashion' for clipping carp by some morons) but the fish has been affected by a bacteria quite common to Barbel.

Early stages of the bacteria infection on fish will show as white lumps with red blotchy areas around it. When the infection spreads it will damage the fins bone rays and eventually it will split the fin at that point as it drops off and hey presto you get a fin with the appearance of being clipped.

Sometimes can be attributed to Otter/Mink attacks but more often than not it is down to the bacterial infection.

Nice one Paddy i totaly agree with you

Well thats two things Ive learnt , never new the practice of clipping had or is going on and that fin degradation was caused by a bacteria, its the first barbel Ive ever seen with such a problem, thanks all.

As Paddy as said fin clipping was a barbaric practice in the 80's and was reported in th A/Times, quite a few local clubs were affected with Carp being the main fish targeted, i think you will find that it was for some sort of fish recognition.