Struggling Cherry Barb

efeene

Help! I went out on Saturday morning and bought 6 Cherry Barbs - 1 male, 5 female (I didnt watch the pet store guy close enough as I asked for 2 and 4 haha). They are doing wonderful swimming around playing eating all the usual behavior. So I went out yesterday afternoon and bought one more male Cherry Barb to add to the group. When I introduced him to the tank he wasnt as active but still seemed ok. I assumed he was shy and getting used to new environment/fish. This morning I woke and he was breathing very heavily, staying in one place near the bottom, occasionally even listing to the side :( Also hasnt eaten since I got him home. He has a small white string , which I assumed to be poo , sticking out between belly and tail but it has been there since last night and hasnt gone away. I feel awful I want to help what should I do? Water all tested out fine ammonia / nitrate wise and the other 6 seem fine. I dont know what to do for the guy I am new to this. Any help much appreciated.

Santaclaws

Long stringy white poop is usually a sign of parasites in the digestive tract you will need to move him and treat with a parasite medicine. Medicated food is very good, you can also treat with Paracide. Keep an eye on your other fish if you see any signs you will have to treat the whole tank. This is why you should always put new fish in a a separate tank it does not have to be fancy a rubbermade container would do with a small filter and a small in line heater. All thees you can pick up at Walmart . Hope this helps

efeene

Hey thanks for the swift response. Gotta head out to work but I will have to pick up that stuff on my way home tonight and try to help the guy. Hope he can hang on through the day! Makes me sad :( Thanks again.

Santaclaws

Good Luck.

efeene

He didnt make it :( Poor little guy. RIP.

The pet store has a 14 day guarantee where you bring in some water to test and if it tests fine they will replace the fish - if it doesnt they will give you store credit. I found this humorous. So if MY water tests fine it means the fish from THEIR tank was the issue and they will give me another one? What makes them think I want a fish from THEIR tank in MY healthy tank haha.