Tiger Barb Mouth Stuck Open

[kwfish]

Hi everyone,
So I just bought 3 tiger barbs (to add to my other 4) yesterday at the pet store. As I was floating the bag in the tank water, I noticed that one of the tiger barbs had its mouth open and would not close it. He also is breathing rapidly. I called the store to see if I could trade it for a different one because I didn't want to put a sick fish into my tank when my other fish are healthy. The store was not helpful at all and said to just give it time because it has a 7 day warranty if it dies. Ridiculous! Anyway, I have been reading online and it seems like perhaps it could be a broken/dislocated jaw? Does that sound right to anyone? Any other ideas of what it could be?

If it is a jaw problem, is there anything I can do about it? I don't want the fish to suffer, but I really don't want to euthanize it either if it doesn't bother him. I fed my fish blood worms last night and he appeared to be able to eat them somehow (he sort of sucked them in with his mouth constantly open). He is also a decent size (about 1.5 inches), so if he has had this problem for awhile, he is obviously okay eating. But maybe its a recent problem, I don't know.

I have a 55 gallon with 7 tiger barbs and 2 rainbow sharks. All water parameters are good (I had my water tested before I bought the fish to make sure everything was alright).

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[kwfish]

I just noticed that when I fed him today, he would suck the food in and then spit it back out. I had thought originally that he was eating but now I'm not so sure.

 

[fluttermoth]

That's a tricky one...I don't honestly think there's going to be anything you can do, apart from keep the water quality up to help prevent any secondary infections and see how it gets on.

sorry I can't be more postive

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'd exchange the fish immediately for one that's not damaged. They shouldn't make you wait to do that.

 

[kwfish]

I took the tiger barb back to the pet store today. I felt so bad for it, and it got to the point that I didn't want to look at it or have it in my tank anymore. The store gave me a credit to use when I am ready to purchase more fish.