What Am I Looking At Here?

[Shifty1303]

Hey all. bought a shoal of black ruby barbs from LFS (maidenhead aquatics chain for those of you in UK) but around 6 of the 11 are looking bloated or something around the stomach area. not really sure what is up with them but they are swimming and feeding etc fine just a bit worried by their appearance. have attached images. water parameters are all top notch and pH etc all good (dont need numbers verified dw. know what im doing with parameters). any ideas why they seem to look like this? underfed? parasites??
 
thanks for any opinions.
 
Shifty

 

[star4]

They do look bloated. I would guess from the squared off shape its constipation (possible overfeeding at the shop), but from the pics I am not 100% sure. Starve them for a couple of days, check they are passing faeces ok (breaking off quickly not long strands). It might be worth adding some deshelled cooked peas see if that makes their stomachs go down again.

 

[Shifty1303]

ok will do that asap. shall chuck a few peas in and feed nothing else for a couple of days. will report back then.
 
thanks for your help

 

[attibones]

If they don't take to peas, daphnia helps with constipation but it's more readily accepted by fish who prefer meatier foods. I would fast the fish for a few days and then feed the peas. This gives the digestive tract a chance to work things out properly and then it makes the fish hungrier which can help with feeding the peas to picky fish.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Barbs can be gluttons (most fish are, really) and will eat and eat and eat.  I agree with the suggestions above.  

 

[Shifty1303]

ok thanks all. will give it a few days and report back

 

[TallTree01]

Were they looking so full when you bought them or did it develop once you got them home?

 

[Shifty1303]

seemed to develop after i got them which i found weird as i think i underfeed if anything. have a good varied diet nonetheless and no signs of illness etc anywhere in the tank

 

[TallTree01]

Could just be the stress of moving from the store to your tank. I hope they slim down soon!