fish are hiding

[samctex]

i have 3 cherry barbs that were quite active for the two weeks i have had them... however, for the last 2 days they have all 3 been hiding in this castle. i found them in there when i flashed a flashlight in there. what is going on with them? i could only see one in there, but the others could have been at an angle that i couldn't view them at. any ideas why they would be hiding? they are in a tank with two mollies and a small zebra danio.

 

[Brattina88]

any ideas why they would be hiding?

Here's my ideas - It could be anything, but I'll just tell you what comes in to my mind first. Maybe the other fish in the tank are intimidating, so they stay in hiding. The fish might think the light is too bright and seek relief in the castle. Are they coming up to the surface when you feed them? Unless you think they are sick or being picked on they are probably fine, but make sure they aren't stuck or anything.

 

[smb]

How are your water params? Not trying to imply you have bad water quality per se but fish get skittish when that happens.

 

[samctex]

Well, they all did come out of the castle the next day and swam around. I was just wondering if one or more of them might be laying eggs or something like that. they still go in the castle and sit a lot, but they also come out a couple of times a day to just swim.

 

[Morrgan]

Cherry barbs are not very lively fish, they often stay in the same place for a while. The males are also a little territorial and seem to choose a place in the aquarium as their own. Mine have chosen a large swordplant that they stay close to most of the time.

 

[samctex]

Well, all 3 of the cherry barbs died. I brought their bodies into the fish store and was told they suffered from ick. I had no clue. I got stuff to put in the tank to save the remaining 3 fish in the tank. I hope it helps. I don't want to lose any more.