ahiggins

Three days ago, I added two (I hope) female cherry barbs to three I already had in a 10 gallon tank. I am pretty sure that the three I already had were two males and 1 female. They are very red in color, the female being a little smaller and lighter. The two new "females" I just added are larger, and much more golden than red. Are they still cherry barbs and are they even female?

My main problems are:
1. I'm not sure the gender of the new fish...
2. the female of the first three has stopped swimming as much and is kind of hiding in the cave. I thought this could be from the increased bioload, but my levels are fine.

Is there anything I can do?
I really hope she doesn't die!

bmxer193

I really cant tell you whats wrong, I know livebreeders will lay on the gravel before they give birth, But im sure she will be fine. As for your male female problem do you not want babys? Because cherry barbs lay there eggs on plants and if you dont remove the adult barbs then you will eat the eggs. Aother thing is that you are on the edge of your bioload so dont add anymore fish, So i would do a water change (30%-35%) right now because you are about to go over. Hope your fish gets better!

Brandyn

ahiggins

Thanks for your reply.
I thought that cherry barbs were not live bearers, so that can't be why she's laying on the gravel right? Also, as of today, she is not moving much at all. I don't have a QT tank so is there anything I can do?

Also, should I do a water change even though my levels are reading fine?

Fishies-for-me

could it be possible that the 2 new "females " are actually albino males??