Please help!!

[cool_jool]

Hi Sorry this is going to be a long one!! I'll give some history. A couple of weeks ago I had a problem with an algae eater which would not stop bullying a swordtail. I took it back to the shop. I bought two corys I then lost one of my green tipped barbs - no idea why. All has been really good for two weeks fish looked well and swordtail was recovering. Now all is horrible. One of my two remaining green tipped barbs has almost completely removed the tail of the swordtail and two fins from the other barb overnight! It is really horrible to watch them. I have isolated the offender in a breeder tank. Why has this happened now? I know barbs are supposed to nip a bit but they have not done so before. Even when the swordtail was weak they did not bother her. Is it because there are only two now? Sorry for the long message, but I'm really stressed - please help!! cool_jool

 

[dolphin]

Hi Coo-Jool

Silly Question, but what are green tipped barbs?

If they are green tiger barbs, they do better, (i.e. not nip) when they are in larger groups. You could get another 3.

 

[cool_jool]

Hi dolphin thanks for the reply. I only have a small tank - 10gallons UK. I already have 2 cory, 2 swordtails, 3 neons, 5 pristellas and the 2 barbs. They were sold to me as 'green tipped barbs'. I think they are probably a type of tiger barb. Do you think I am too overstocked to get another? The temp has been high 28oC - I am trying to bring it down - but it is unusually hot in Brum! Will this affect the behaviour? cool_jool

 

[wetwetwet]

Hi CJ,

I'd say your on the limit of stocking but also presume these fish haven't all reached their adult/full size how old is the tank/fish?

Barbs tend to be shoaling species and can be aggressive but keep it 'in house' when there's enough of them - when there isn't then unfortunatley other tank mates can suffer.....

Maybe consider getting a bigger tank or seeing if you can exchange/rehouse the green barbs for something smaller and more peacefull - maybe the pentazona barb B)

 

[cool_jool]

Hi wetwetwet, thanks for the reply. The tank has been going about 5 months. The fish are all quite small - I think. Largest is the other swordtail, 2". The 2 barbs and the corys are 1.5", others less than 1". I really don't want to return my barbs unless I really have to they were my first tropical fish . Do you think the tank will stand another and will that help? cool_jool

 

[cool_jool]

Thanks to all who replied. My swordtail unfortunately died overnight. She had been ailing for a while - possibly why she was picked on. I will go out and buy two more barbs now and hope all is well. Fingers crossed cool_jool