Can eroded barbles cause cory death?

[Startup]

Hi all. Just lost a cory with no sign of any disease, infection, bacteria etc, no change to tank routine etc. Levels are all within normal range. Cory has been living happily in this tank (with mates who are still alive) for about 6 months. The only thing I could find was that the barbles were more eroded than when I bought the cory. Could this be the cause of death?

 

[Undawada]

It is possible that this caused his death.

What kind of substrate do you have? What have you been feeding?

 

[WILDER]

Yes if he had an infection in the barbels.

 

[cybergoldfish]

One of my cories just died in exactly the same way, I put it down to me having (not for much longer) sharpish gravel which wore its barbels away... and seemed like it couldn't eat because of that and died from starvation. That's my theory anyway, any thoughts?

The more I did water changes to provide clean water to help it regrow its barbels, the more active and excited it got, so the more it went gravel-diving . *sigh* Poor cory.

 

[Startup]

Substrate is sand - ordinary washed sand. His mate who came with him also has worn barbles. I have been watching that one very closely, and it is able to eat ok. Very sad I will pick up some more next week, but if they don't do any good I think I will choose another catfish. Panda's are just too expensive around here to be replacing them a couple of times a year, not to mention how sad it is to think the little guys aren't doing well in my tank....

Edit: fed a rotation of good quality flake, sinking pellets and frozen brine shrimp. Tank gets a 10% water change approx every 2 days. All other inhabitants have been doing well for over a year now.

 

[Undawada]

Sand that is made for aquariums or that is labelled as "play sand" is usually safe for cories. I think that rules out the substrate wearing the barbels down.

I've heard cories can lose their barbels when stressed or ill, so that may be the cause. Have you been adding salt to the water?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Startup

One of the most common causes of barbel erosion is bacterial infection, aka finrot.

I'm surprised to learn that your pandas lived long enough to show this damage because they are quite delicate and can often die without showing any symptoms at all. You did well to have kept him alive for even six months. Many of the members are not as lucky.

There are many corys available that are more sturdy and less prone to becoming sick than pandas. I'm sure you will be able to find a suitable substitute. C. metae (bandits) are similar in appearance and are small (2") too. If you can find them, I think you will like them too.