Tiger Barb problem

barney5 · 12-30-2006, 12:12 AM

Hi, All!

We have 2 new Tiger Barbs that are acting ill and we don't know what is causing their problem. Maybe you can help. They swim with their nose pointed to the bottom of the aquarium, occasionally swim OK, then go back to swimming with their noses pointed to the bottom of the aquarium. We have about 6 other fish (of several varieties, one of which is a Tiger Barb that has lived in the tank for literally years) in the tank. This is not a new tank . . . All other fish in the tank appear healthy and happy.

Any suggestions?

BJP · 12-30-2006, 07:43 AM

There can be a variety of different things that can cause fish to swim out of balance. Some of them you can't do anything about like deformities and internal problems. Some you can like with constipation and gassy buildups inside. Changing fish foods, presoaking pellet foods, offering fresh green peas, etc.

I'd observe them closely for signs of fin damage or body sores from aggression. If you have a small seperate tank you can move them too that may help as well especially if any of the actions that'll be reccomended by others require medicine added to the tank. The more information you can post about your tank the more people can help also. How often and what methods do you use to clean it? Any test results recently? What additives do you put in the water if any? The more we know the better we can guess.

Good luck.

Tommy Gun · 12-30-2006, 09:48 AM

Welcome to the forum! It is great to meet you. I have good news for you!

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL FOR TIGER BARBS!

Don't worry at all about it, this is just the way they are. I am not sure why or what causes this, but mine do it all the time and I had the same question myself. If you would like, I can try to take a quick video to show you my fish.