Cherry Barb Swim Bladder Issue

Hey all,

Last time I posted here, one of my then seven cherry barbs died likely from stress and other factors from a tank makeover. All has been well, though for the past month or so, with the other six exhibiting no signs of any affliction or danger (until now) and the Crypt WendtiI and Crypt BeckettiI settling in nicely. However, I just observed one of my fish obviously demonstrating a swim bladder issue. He has sunk to the bottom, and while still maintains mobility, is tossing and turning with every action.

The six cherry barbs reside in a 10 gal tank running a Penguin filter, air pump and 78 degree water. There is also two amano shrimp and two species of crypt mentioned above. No other fish are displaying issues. Water parameters are very good, with 0 ammonia and nitrite, and a ph of 7.5.

After reading a few articles, I have raised the tank temperature to about 80 degrees and have decided on not feeding them in the case of simply a bloated intestine. I am going away on a short vacation in a few days, so time is of the essence. Any help and tips please?

 

One tip I've seen repeated often is to feed a boiled and skinned pea.

 

He is now exhbiting very similar signs to my one that died last month. I am now worried its a disease of sorts. Anybody have experience with a fish, specifically cherry barb growing abnormally pale extraordinarily fast, losing its ability to swim, and eventually dying? These are the symptoms I had with my last one, and looks like this one too.

 

Pictures? I'm sorry that you have to deal with this.

 

Pictures? I'm sorry that you have to deal with this.

Pictures are navialible at the moment and hard to get using the computer I have, but later tonight I may be able to get some. He is breathing heavily and now just lying on sand.

 

Pictures are navialible at the moment and hard to get using the computer I have, but later tonight I may be able to get some. He is breathing heavily and now just lying on sand.

Maybe try an epsom salt bath? I've never had cherry barbs, hopefully someone else can chime in.

 

Thank you very much. He's alive. but barely. I am not sure about the salt bath will have to check into it. I hope he survives the night.

I took a look at some salt bath info. It doesn't seem like the right idea for him. Slower breathing, but taking very large gulps. He is not moving, on his side and is displaying the same symptoms that my other fish did. He rapidly lost color, and went unmoving. It appeared like swim bladder at first, but it is clearly not that now.

 

Do you have a breeder box or a container so he can get to the surface easier?

If he continues to get worse I’d humanly euthanize him

 

He is gone.

 

He is gone.

I’m so so sorry and I wish I could’ve helped more. I feel your pain
Are your other fish acting fine?

 

Every one else is acting the same as usual, and the shrimp show no signs either.

 

Every one else is acting the same as usual, and the shrimp show no signs either.

Ok good. Did it always act ‘off’? Maybe it was sick at the shop?

 

Ok good. Did it always act ‘off’? Maybe it was sick at the shop?

Nope. Was eating and swimming fine up until maybe a little past noon today.

This was the same with my other one that died. No bitten fins, no stress, no bloat, no easily identifiable signs of ich and the such. I am overall really confused and worried.

 

Do you think you can get a picture now, even though he passed? I’m sure you want to know what happened, I would too.

 

You mentioned Zero Ammonia and Nitrites. What was your Nitrate reading? Also what is the whole tank's fish stock? How long have you had the Cherry Barbs and how recently have you added new fish?

 

So sorry for your loss. Sometimes fish just seem to die for no apparent reason.