mark&lisa

I noticed that I had a goldfish that was missing an eye then watched in amazement as my Tinfoil Barb bit and ate the other eye off it! What's up with that?

gremlin

What type of goldfish is it? Barbs can sometimes be territorial, and if it is a fancy goldfish, it may not have been able to swim away fast enough. You may want to separate the two fish, even if all you do is put a divider in their tank. It would actually be best to separate any goldfish from any tropical fish as they have different water requirements. Goldfish are a temperate water fish and prefer changes in the water temperature from day to night. They also prefer cooler water than most tropical fish. What other fish are in with the goldfish and the barb? How big is the tank they are in? The goldfish would require a minimum of 30 gallons with an additional 10-20 gallons for each additional goldfish. Pics would also help to see how much damage has actually been done to the goldfish's eyes. If it is now blind in both eyes, you may want to consider keeping it in a tank all by its lonesome so it will not have to compete for food or get picked on anymore.

mark&lisa

Its a 90 gal tank. I've got two each of tetras, cories and plecos, 1 betta and 6 various goldfish. Its probably a little warm in the tank for the goldfish, but they don't seem to mind. The one that got its eyes eaten is definetely blind as the eyes are completely gone, so I'll have to take it out. The barb seems to be mad at everyone today, chasing them around the tank and nipping. Maybe he needs a barb friend?

gremlin

I'm surprised the other fish aren't picking on the betta's fins... From what I understand of tinfoil barbs, they get pretty big. Even though your tank is a 90 gallon, I would say that it is pretty well fully stocked, if not over stocked. Goldfish and plecos (I'm assuming common plecos are what you have) are both very big waste producers. 6 goldfish would be almost the limit for your 90 gallon. With the waste from the two plecos in there, plus the other fish, I don't know that I would add anymore. At least not unless you move the goldfish to their own tank that can be kept a bit cooler for them. What type of tetras? Some tetras are schooling fish and prefer to be in groups of 5 or 6. I'm not sure about the barb. It could be that your barb has decided that a certain part of the tank is it's territory and it is chasing everyone else away.

ATKINSON

Good info Gremlin

mark&lisa

Not sure what type plecos, they are about 5 inches long. The tetras are strawberry and blueberry. Sorry, I didn't know they dyed them when I bought them but I'm passing the word to others that have fish. I think I'll get the goldfish their own tank, then add a few more tetras and another barb. Thanks for your help.

aquarist48

Hello Mark&Lisa. Great information above. Agreed on moving your gold fish to their own tank. Although they may survive in a tropical tank they will not thrive and their life span could be shortened because of the warmer temperatures. So sorry to hear that your one gold fish is blind.
Tin foil barbs should be kept in groups and they will get large as stated above.
Too, your Betta should really be housed by itself as well.
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

Goldfish Caresheet
Above are some link you may find very helpful.
Best of luck!
Ken

gremlin

Your blind goldie should be okay in with the other goldies. Just feed them in the same spot all the time and maybe splash the water a bit just before you put the food in .. that way the blind goldie will know that there is food and where to go get it. You could also try hand feeding the blind one. Hold a piece of food right where it will bump into it and wait and see if it will eat from your fingers. Since it is blind, it will not see you to be afraid of you. Once it learns that the splashing means that fingers are holding food, you can move the splashing to one area so the blind one will always know where to go for food. I suggest the floating pellets since they will stay on top of the water long enough for everyone to get something to eat. The sit just below the surface of the water, so the fish can suck them up without getting too much air.

mark&lisa

Thanks Gremlin. Great help from you and Aquarist48.

Tony G.

Welcome to Fishlore
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your golfish