Tiger Barb Actig Erratically

[SCORPIOCUPCAKE]

I have apent hours trying to get online as probs with computer and been very worried about my tiger barb.

He is swimming upside down and sideways but cannot swim properly, he is twitchy and doing lots of fast erratic movements. He has been doing this for at least 4 hours and doesnt look good at all, I think it has been " off colour" for a few days, and I am now thinking it wont survive this ?

The rest of my fish seem ok, no visible signs of anything nasty but I am wondering whether I need to medicate my tank.

The tank has been running for approx 3 months, water stats are all good

Urgent help required.

If I do need to euthanise, how do i do this with minimal trauma to me, and more importantly, my fish

Thanks
x

 

[The-Wolf]

sounds like a swimbladder problem,#try feeding a de-shelled garden pea OR lots of bloodworm
both will act as a laxative and clear any blockages that maybe pressing the swimbladder.

it could also be a damaged bladder (think bruised rib in us) and that will heal on its own in a few days.

lastly it could be a bacterial problem causing the swimbladder so a wide range anti bacterial may be needed,
but hold off on this untill the 1st two causes have been eliminated.

 

[SCORPIOCUPCAKE]

sounds like a swimbladder problem,#try feeding a de-shelled garden pea OR lots of bloodworm
both will act as a laxative and clear any blockages that maybe pressing the swimbladder.

it could also be a damaged bladder (think bruised rib in us) and that will heal on its own in a few days.

lastly it could be a bacterial problem causing the swimbladder so a wide range anti bacterial may be needed,
but hold off on this untill the 1st two causes have been eliminated.

Thank you Wolf, I did actually put some peas in earlier as a treat so lets see, when I fed the flaked food, he seemed to feed then spat huge amounts out....its upsetting to watch as he seems distressed, I keep thinking his little heart will give out. Thanks for advice, will monitor.

x

 

[azulfire24]

the pea is good , but the blood worm? it has lots of protien and actually can cause constipation, which can lead to swimbladder probs, if u r usa, jungle fish fungas helps clear up bladder problems. also try not feeding the fish for a few days to see if he dose indeed have a bellyach, also try putting him in a fry net so the other fish cant poke at him, that or a hospital tank if you have one.

 

[SCORPIOCUPCAKE]

the pea is good , but the blood worm? it has lots of protien and actually can cause constipation, which can lead to swimbladder probs, if u r usa, jungle fish fungas helps clear up bladder problems. also try not feeding the fish for a few days to see if he dose indeed have a bellyach, also try putting him in a fry net so the other fish cant poke at him, that or a hospital tank if you have one.

Am very pleased and surprised to report that my little guy is completely back to normal this morning ! I never would have believed it, fully expected a little floating barb this morning.......................thanks for all advice and comments.
x

 

[LauraFrog]

File under Weird Things Fish Do.