Tiger Barb Shimmy

[This Old Spouse]

I've got 12 tiger barbs that I've had for nearly 2 years. Here's a video of their behavior at times, especially after eating. I lost a barb a month ago after he started doing this rather violently. Anyone know what it is?
 
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[Mikey1]

the video didnt work, but from what you are describing its most likely a bacterial infection

 

[plectastic]

I'd be intrigued to know as mine also do this. Mostly after a water change or rearrangement of decor. Think they are stressed? Have been using api stress coat to try and calm them now.

 

[Dstreet]

I have 8 Tiger Barbs and they do the same thing. I figured it was normal behaviour, just playing.

 

[This Old Spouse]

The only tiger barb I've had that died did the shimmy so violently that I think that's what killed him, so I'd sure like to know what causes it. My barbs aren't stressed at all. 

 

[plectastic]

After I upped my number of them they don't do it hardly ever now. In fact they're confident to butt me out the way when doing maintenance!

 

[This Old Spouse]

Well, I've got 13 of them in a 29g tank, plus 5 red eye tetras and a flying fox, so I think that's plenty.