Shy Cherry Barbs?

So I'm restating something here that I put in another thread that got almost no attention, since I really need an answer to this.
I got 5 Cherry Barbs for my 55 Gallon with a batch of other fish as part of a restock. When I put them in though, it didn't take long before they found the back of the tank behind rocks and in old Cichlid dugouts.
Since then, I've rarely seen any come out into the open, and when they do, it's only for a few moments before they quickly scurry back into hiding. I've been very worried they may not be eating at all, or at least getting enough to eat, even to the point that I thought they may have all been dead since I hadn't seen any of them lately.
Fortunately, I just checked tonight and spotted two of my females hiding out in a corner, but still none of the others. I'm probably going to move some of the rockwork around tomorrow to see if I can account for the whereabouts of all of them, but they still worry me a bit.
Is this normal behavior for Cherries, or is it possible that something like my Pleco is making them nervous? Would some thicker vegetation help them at all?

 

I saw your other thread. Unfortunately it seems if a thread isn't in the freshwater beginners no one reads it. Then if u put something on the beginner page that doesn't belong there admin will move it so again not many see it. Lol. I hope yoy get a answer cuz I'm seriously considering cherry barbs and don't know a lot about them. Good luck

 

You can try adding more cherry barbs to the school. They’re timid fish, so they probably feel more secure when there are more of them together. That way, they won’t feel the need to hide as often.

 

I saw your other thread. Unfortunately it seems if a thread isn't in the freshwater beginners no one reads it. Then if u put something on the beginner page that doesn't belong there admin will move it so again not many see it. Lol. I hope yoy get a answer cuz I'm seriously considering cherry barbs and don't know a lot about them. Good luck

Yeah, I noticed that too and it's really disappointing. Will say this, even though I rarely see them, they are still beautiful fish.

You can try adding more cherry barbs to the school. They’re timid fish, so they probably feel more secure when there are more of them together. That way, they won’t feel the need to hide as often.

How many though? I'd guess 2 or 3, but I've never really had to deal with an issue like this before. Considering if I get a new tank (75 - 100+ gallons) in the next month or two to try transferring them there to see how they do, and to help accommodate a larger school. Still am wondering my my Pleco is what's making them so nervous, since it's so massive, or the other very active fish.

 

Just wanted to say, I went to the store today and got some new fellas. Albino Bristlenose Pleco (for when I transfer my common), Butterfly Loach, Australian Rainbowfish, and 2 Longfin Cherry Barbs.
The new cherries are beauties and seem to keep to a pair, generally not seeming to have any fear. Since adding them now, I've also seen the others start to come out a bit more!

 

I have a 54 gallon tank and I have 11 cherry barbs (I had 12, but lost one male). I added mine in 6 at a time and noticed when I added the second group, they became much more friendly. I do have a heavily planted tank so that helps things out too. This is an old picture, but this is basically what my tank looks like.

 

I have a 54 gallon tank and I have 11 cherry barbs (I had 12, but lost one male). I added mine in 6 at a time and noticed when I added the second group, they became much more friendly. I do have a heavily planted tank so that helps things out too. This is an old picture, but this is basically what my tank looks like.

View attachment 386172

Very nice! I'm hoping to transition to more live plants and a sand bottom soon to help fix up the tank and give the fish better hiding spot. Definitely a very beautiful fish though, when they come out, and was very glad that the new ones have started to make the other group a bit bolder.

 

Very nice! I'm hoping to transition to more live plants and a sand bottom soon to help fix up the tank and give the fish better hiding spot. Definitely a very beautiful fish though, when they come out, and was very glad that the new ones have started to make the other group a bit bolder.

I think adding more live plants will help your fish gain more confidence. They are a good looking fish.

 

I think adding more live plants will help your fish gain more confidence. They are a good looking fish.

Indeed they are! For plants though, trying to figure out what ones the local stores carry that are a bit denser and grow in low light...

 

Go with wisteria if you want a plant that does well in low light. I plant several stems near each other and they have taken off. I do add the API Leaf Zone fertilizer once a week and they seem to do really well with that fertilizer. I have to trim them again since most have reached the top of the tank and are bending over since they are so tall. I got all of my plants from Petco or Petsmart in those tubes since I didn't want any snails.

 

Go with wisteria if you want a plant that does well in low light. I plant several stems near each other and they have taken off. I do add the API Leaf Zone fertilizer once a week and they seem to do really well with that fertilizer. I have to trim them again since most have reached the top of the tank and are bending over since they are so tall. I got all of my plants from Petco or Petsmart in those tubes since I didn't want any snails.

Hmm, I'll check for some next time I'm at the store, if not just order some online. Definitely won't be able to use fertilizer though, but from what I'm reading it should still grow fine without it.