[mattalleng]

Hi! I am new here so I hope I am posting where I need to post. So I have a question. How normal is it for a new tiger barb to start floating upside down and hiding and WHY do they do this? When another fish swims by him or anything moves him he flips over and swims just fine but otherwise he just floats there like he is playing dead and trying to remain undetected... I bought 2 at a time for starters (nothing else in new cycled tank) and then added 2 and one of them was doing this as well! (the one I added just now is the 5th) I thought maybe it was a swim bladder issue at first so I fed them skinned peas for a few days and now the first fish to act this way seems to be fine. This new one is doing the same thing so I am wondering if this is a stress thing or what? Maybe the ride home is too bumpy? Water levels are all normal. I have not fed him yet so not an issue with expanding food pushing on swim bladder... Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[keepsmiling]

New one on me! I will see if I can find someone who can help. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Chesh]

Welcome to TFK! I'm sorry, I've never seen this, either. . . hopefully someone will be along who can help you soon . . .Hope all is okay with them!

 

[mattalleng]

Well, this morning I got up, and he was dead... not sure if the others beat him up or he just died on his own.... ugh...

 

[Chesh]

I'm so sorry to hear. . . If the tank is cycled, and the water clean, I have to say that it sounds as if he was probably ill or injured before you brought him home. *hugs* I hope the others continue to do well for you. . .

 

[sandybottom]

i know this is after the fact,but how was the fish acclimated?it seem really odd.was he swimming normally at the pet store?how about in the bag? it sounds like ph shock possibly.