Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice about my long finned cherry barbs.
I keep a small school in a 40 gallon tank, and over time I’ve noticed a few of them have died with very similar symptoms. A fish will suddenly lose its ability to swim properly, sink to the bottom, and struggle to stay upright. After a few days, it usually passes away. From what I’ve read, this sounds like it could be swim bladder disease, but I’m not completely sure.
To try to fix the issue, I’ve reduced how much I feed them. I now feed once every other day. Their diet includes XXS granules, algae wafers for the bottom feeders, and I rotate in mysis shrimp and brine shrimp for variety.
I also tried a salt bath for one affected fish, but unfortunately it didn’t recover. Next, I’m planning to try feeding unskinned peas in case this is related to digestion or constipation.
Has anyone here successfully treated swim bladder issues in cherry barbs or similar fish? Any suggestions or things I should check would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted by SwordfishOk4855
1 Comment
A link with some info including suggested treatments. I like the site, don’t agree with everything he writes, but the author has some solid recommendations and a lot of experience. It’s a bit lengthy, just fyi.
https://aquariumscience.org/11-6-swim-bladder/
My Cherry Barbs have never had this problem. So no experience there to share, sorry. They are pretty bullet proof for me after a couple weeks in quarantine and a round of meds though. I mostly order from ethical companies at this point (like Dan’s Fish or The Wet Spot) so I know the animals are healthy on arrival and have been treated well in the supply chain. My local fish store has been underwhelming in the fish health arena unfortunately.
Good luck with the Cherries, they are a great fish!