Is this normal for Tiger Barbs?

[tttnjfttt]

I'm trying to determine if my tiger barbs have velvet. I noticed some discolleration of their black stripes (greenish gold), so i took a flash light to them. With the flashlight on, their black areas are coverd in little gold spots. Normal or not?

(I've also seen some scratching against tank decorations going on)

 

[Lateral Line]

Very fine gold/green spots are usually guanine crystals in the skin. Nothing to worry about. Tiger Barbs are very sensitive to poor water and will flash and eventually go nose down if there is any ammonia, nitrite or elevated nitrates. Indeed, many people use them as an indicator species for poor water.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Thanks for the response. I had never really examined my fish up close before, so i was panicking.