TheJimsterness

Injured and/or stupid Tiger Barb

Okay, after my weekly water change, one of my Albino Tiger barbs suddenly appeared with stubs for fins on his left side and has to swim slowly and strangely to compensate for this. He doesn't seem interested in eating, and hangs out away from the other six tiger barbs. HOWEVER he used to like to hang out near the sucky part of the power filter, and I think he got sucked in a bit and hurt himself. The other barbs aren't bothering him, but i still wonder what I should do. I think he brought it on himself, but I would still like to see him get through this. Any advice?
PS no flesh is torn, only his fins.
PPS And no, the other barbs didn't nip him that bad because they are in a group of seven and are a pretty chill little group.
PPPS I also have 2 true siamese algae eaters

I now have him in a makeshift QT( A bucket w/ tank water and small air pump to aeriate). need some advice to help him.
how long will it take for him to regrow the fins?

freshwaterguy

I am a little concerned that he/she was hanging around near the filter, this is normally a sign that a fish is not happy, to clarify this I would recommend testing water parameters.

Regarding the fins being damaged, sepearating your Tiger Barb is a good idea, I would recommend 'stress coat' I currently have a wounded Tiger Barb - which you may have seen in post Tiger Barb wounded! advice required

I received some good advice in the above post.

Good Luck and Keep us posted.

Lucy

Hi welcome to Fishlore, If I haven't said that already.

I'm sorry your little guy isn't feeling well. It was a good idea to separate him.
Are the barbs new to the tank?
What are the readings for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

In your post you say the other barbs aren't nipping him that bad, does that mean they're nipping him a little?
You'd be surprised what can happen over night when the lights are out.

I agree with freshwaterguy, Stress Coat will help as will keeping his water pristine to prevent infection. Vita-Chem and Fish Protector will help him, but I think you'd have to order them on line.

Is your filter intake that strong? You can try putting a piece of panty hose over the intake. But if his fins have gotten sucked into it, he was probably already weakened by something else.

Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.