ocelot1120

i got 5 tigers but one of them looks really fat compared to the others. it has been like this for a month or two. at first, i thought it might have been a prego, but im sure if that was the case it would have done its thing within like 2 weeks or something (never had a pregnant fish before). now im wondering if its like malawi bloat or something. i would think that all the fish would have it if that were the case, but i could be wrong. other than its buldging belly, it seems to be in good health (you know: bright colors, normal behavior, etc.). anybody know whats going on with it? i can take a pic with my webcam if i need to but it will be a very low quality pic. also (a little side question) if i buy a couple more tiger barbs later, most likely younger ones, would they school with the ones i already have or would they fight or something? the ones i have, have only grown a little more than a 1/4 inch since i bought them 6 months ago.

dvm

maybe if you post a picture some people can help you out with your tiger

ocelot1120

ok, i took a pic. click on my photos and look at the one labled "tiger_barbs". the one at the top of the screen (in front facing left) seems pretty plump compared to the others although you cant really tell too much from the picture. you can instantly tell that one apart from the others the moment you look at the group. is that one just greedy or do you guys think he has bloat or is over fed?

ocelot1120

never mind the all that here's the picture. does anyone else think that one (in front facing up and left) is abnormally fat?

Attached Images

Tiger Barbs.jpg (45.4 KB, 20 views)

Karma_Sea

From what you described I think you might just have a female tiger barb. Two of my five tiger barbs are fatter than the others but just as healthy. From the physical descriptions online I discovered that my fatter two are females. Take the time to look it up. It might be the answer to your fat fish problems.

ocelot1120

Thanx. i kind of had that posibility in mind since i still haven't seen any odd behavior, and of course its still alive though i noticed it like 4 monts ago. i put a whole bunch of plants in that tank so, i think everything in that tank is pretty pleased with their living conditions and etc.

ocelot1120

just to let everyone know that tiger barb did in fact have malawi bloat or a swim bladder disease of some kind for a month or two before it did finally die, in late april. it happened too fast for me to do anything. one morning before work i saw him tumbling around the tank, unable to swim upright. (which of course screams 'swimbladder disease') i didn't feed them that morning and by the time i got home it was dead. so if anyone else has a fatter than usual fish, be aware of what happened to mine and change your feeding habits!