Cherry barbs attacking each other, one is dead another is hurt.

[Deleted member 149562]

When you go to the shop, ask if they will take the aggressive one back. They should be able to provide a bag for you to put him in so that you can get him safely back to the shop. Just explain the issues and that things are not calming down and that the specific fish is the cause of the problem.

 

[enfiskejer]

When you go to the shop, ask if they will take the aggressive one back. They should be able to provide a bag for you to put him in so that you can get him safely back to the shop. Just explain the issues and that things are not calming down and that the specific fish is the cause of the problem.

The place I got the cherry barbs at was over an hour away because they had no cherries nearby. But thank you

 

[Deleted member 149562]

The place I got the cherry barbs at was over an hour away because they had no cherries nearby. But thank you

OK, give them a call, explain the problem and they might well accept the fish back. You can always use a couple of freezer type bags or a watertight tub like Tupperware to carry the fish back to them. A journey that short will not harm the fish if held in a tub with a tight lid in aquarium water.

 

[enfiskejer]

OK, give them a call, explain the problem and they might well accept the fish back. You can always use a couple of freezer type bags or a watertight tub like Tupperware to carry the fish back to them. A journey that short will not harm the fish if held in a tub with a tight lid in aquarium water.

I got the breeder box and caught the bully fish (I think). You think I should call the place I bought him (1hr away) or call the place I didn't buy him from to see if they will accept him?

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I got the breeder box and caught the bully fish (I think). You think I should call the place I bought him (1hr away) or call the place I didn't buy him from to see if they will accept him?

Call the place that you bought him first, see what they are willing to do. If they will take him back, all good. If they won't take him back by all means try the other shop, it never hurts to ask. Make sure you explain the problem you are experiencing with the fish and just see if one or other of the shops will be willing to take it.

 

[enfiskejer]

Call the place that you bought him first, see what they are willing to do. If they will take him back, all good. If they won't take him back by all means try the other shop, it never hurts to ask. Make sure you explain the problem you are experiencing with the fish and just see if one or other of the shops will be willing to take it.

okay thanks, I will do just that!

 

[Deleted member 149562]

In the meantime try to get a few more plants in there to help with the sight blocking, they can always be trimmed if they get out of control but in the early days when you are experiencing issues like this, add more sight blocking plants and that will help both short term and long term

 

[enfiskejer]

I saw some neon tetras in the pet shop, they were well priced and looked pretty healthy.
Do you think I should get those as well as more cherry barbs this weekend or hold off on adding more fish.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

Until you have a settled aquarium and the remaining Cherries seem to have calmed down, I would hold off adding more fish for the time being

Adding more whilst tensions are existing could make matters worse, especially if the remaining Cherries are still having behavioural issues, the last thing you want or need is for things to escalate

 

[enfiskejer]

Until you have a settled aquarium and the remaining Cherries seem to have calmed down, I would hold off adding more fish for the time being

Adding more whilst tensions are existing could make matters worse, especially if the remaining Cherries are still having behavioural issues, the last thing you want or need is for things to escalate

Ok thanks!

 

[enfiskejer]

I have come to the conclusion, that it isn't just one, they are all attacking eachother for some reason.
The one I separated I thought would fix the problem, now one that wasn't attacking (a female) is now attacking constantly the other female.
Maybe I shouldn't get anymore cherries at all, if I'm not sure that will fix the problem. It is meant to be a peaceful community tank

 

[Deleted member 149562]

Can you run a full water test please

It is quite rare but not unknown for Cherries to be aggressive if the water chemistry is off

Failing that, even though normally Cherries are not the most aggressive Barb, you might have to take them all back to the shop if they refuse to settle down

The last thing you need or want is a stressful community aquarium...its bad for the fish and its bad for you too cos you can never feel relaxed just watching the fish, you'll start dreading turning the lights on in the morning for fear of more trouble from their squabbling

 

[enfiskejer]

Can you run a full water test please

It is quite rare but not unknown for Cherries to be aggressive if the water chemistry is off

Failing that, even though normally Cherries are not the most aggressive Barb, you might have to take them all back to the shop if they refuse to settle down

The last thing you need or want is a stressful community aquarium...its bad for the fish and its bad for you too cos you can never feel relaxed just watching the fish, you'll start dreading turning the lights on in the morning for fear of more trouble from their squabbling

Yep, I'll do that when I get home

 

[Byron]

It would benefit if members with more experience with disease fish could take a look at the first photo back in post #13...the back half of the barb is white. I've seen this, not sure what it is, but the fish never survive.

Aside from that, I would take all three/four back. A group of neons might be better...assuming the issue I mention above is not something to prevent fish being acquired. If you do get another species, get 10-12 of the species, this really can make a difference.

 

[enfiskejer]

It would benefit if members with more experience with disease fish could take a look at the first photo back in post #13...the back half of the barb is white. I've seen this, not sure what it is, but the fish never survive.

Aside from that, I would take all three/four back. A group of neons might be better...assuming the issue I mention above is not something to prevent fish being acquired. If you do get another species, get 10-12 of the species, this really can make a difference.

The first fish that died also had that the loss of colour but the second fish (the one in the picture) was fine until it got attacked and I think out of stress it lost all of the colour.