Golden Barb Tropical Fish

[imd123]

Hi

Just returned from a few days away and my (old) golden barb is spending a lot of time floating with it's mouth pointed directly down. I assume this is a bad sign. Tank seems in top condition and everything else seems fine.

Grateful for any replies! Thanks

[kovac]

Hi - wish I could offer some sound advice, but I'm not overly familiar with tropical fish! I do however have cold water fish, and one of them had 'dropsy' - where she was unable to swim in a straight line..and kept flopping around the place. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.

[brachiopod]

Have you tested ammonia levels in your water?

if I remember correctly, barbs are quite sensitive to ammonia levels, and do this 'head-inverted-down' swimming when ammonia levels are on the rise.

[brachiopod]

Just dug out my book - and actually it's high nitrite levels that can cause barbs (especially tiger barbs) to exhibit this behaviour. Might be worth investigating.

[imd123]

Thanks for your answers. Nitrate and other levels are fine and all other fish appear to be too. Hardly noticed the barb swimming this way for last 24 hours but just noticed him doing it again. Maybe it's just old age?!?