Weird Tiger Barb

[jakeroberts]

hi my name is jake and i have this tiger barb that keeps hangin around the filter and and not swimming properly he gets food tho wat do i do

 

[JoeyBlackrose]

Hey man,

Your TB may be stressed. Barbs are school fish. you should get at least 5 more.

 

[Amunet]

Just one tiger barb? It might be b/c he's getting picked on by some of the other tankmates. I only have 2 barbs right now in my quarantine tank (yeah we're getting more) and one constantly hides behind the filter b/c the other bullies him all the time.
You should think about getting at the very very least 3 more. 6 would be best, but I think 4 would probably do alright as well... but if your tank is too small (not sure wht 66L comes out to in gallons)... then you should just think about taking him back to the store.

 

[newtotropical]

Hi,
It could well be because he is on his own. They like to be in groups. I have 6 and they are great fish!!

 

[jakeroberts]

Just one tiger barb? It might be b/c he's getting picked on by some of the other tankmates. I only have 2 barbs right now in my quarantine tank (yeah we're getting more) and one constantly hides behind the filter b/c the other bullies him all the time.
You should think about getting at the very very least 3 more. 6 would be best, but I think 4 would probably do alright as well... but if your tank is too small (not sure wht 66L comes out to in gallons)... then you should just think about taking him back to the store.

i think it is 14 gallons and i dont have anof room but i have to take bak a rainbow shark also i have a emrald barb that is a bit bigger would he be pikin on the tiger barb

 

[Amunet]

Yeah, he probably is.
One of our tigers is slightly larger than the other and it constantly bullies the smaller one.

 

[jakeroberts]

Yeah, he probably is.
One of our tigers is slightly larger than the other and it constantly bullies the smaller one.

well i have just set up a 11L tank and put the tiger barb in it only has a air rater will that be ok it's just till he gets a bit a bigger
i might even get anotehr one to keep him company while he is in the 11L tank would that be alright and if so how long would they be able to stay in there

 

[dwarfgourami]

well i have just set up a 11L tank and put the tiger barb in it only has a air rater will that be ok it's just till he gets a bit a bigger
i might even get anotehr one to keep him company while he is in the 11L tank would that be alright and if so how long would they be able to stay in there

The thing about tiger barbs is they are one of those fish who get their sense of security from a very tight hierarchical order in the group. A lonely tiger barb is likely to feel insecure because he is programmed to feel alone=danger. On the other hand, because they are constantly squbbling within the group to establish the hierarchy, two or three tiger barbs is likely to lead to bullying and the death of the weakest member- the top dog can't stop working to maintain his position, which wouldn't be a problem if he had lots of other barbs to take it out on, but if it's one poor fish getting it in the neck all the time..... So they need to be in a school of at least 6-8 fish, lots of experienced keepers say not fewer than 8. And as you've already mentioned, there is no room in your tank for 8 tiger barbs, besides the tank is really on the small side for these boisterous and active fish. So I would see about rehoming him. An 11 ltr tank is definitely too small, and if you add another barb in there, you are likely to see bloodshed. Most experienced keepers recommend 29+ gallons for tiger barbs.