A deformed tiger barb..... :(

[maxpayne_lhp]

Hello everyone.
I was away for a while, got ta review something for the tests.
Well, I had a day off to day and I've headed the petshop to catch some tiger babrs to add in my school. I bought 8 more to go,..
Well, the newbies are just about 2/3 size of the oldies but they seem to get along with each other pretty well! All are happy. But I notice one newbie has a curve backbone and he swims quite difficultly (he needs to try whenever he wants to catch up the school) AhI feel very sorry! I dunno what should I do? They need to shoal so I just can't isolate him and have special care for him. WHat do you think? I will soon give them some food and see if the poor guy can get the food...
Thanks
Nam

[osteoporoosi]

Watch him for a while, and if he can't eat or swim properly then it is best to put it down. But hopefully not. Good luck!

[fish_doc]

Welcome back, I was beginning to wonder where you wandered off to.

horizontal curves (scoliosis) and vertical curves (lordosis) can be caused by various things like:
a) injury
b) infectious disease
c) nutritional deficiencies
d) genetic or developmental abnormality.

a) that is self explanitory. The fish somehow was injured
b) Particular notes about this is like mycobacteriosis can distort the fish
spine and lead to curvatures.
c) vitamin deficiencies can as well. Esp if these deficiencies occoured during its younger growing months.
d) some breeding results can be seen with things like
this. For example the baloon molly, blood red parrot, some of the fancy goldfish should be avoided as they are viewed as cruelty to fish.

So yes just keep a eye on him, make sure he is well fed and if it continues to get worse it may be a disease.

[maxpayne_lhp]

Hey everyone!
I think he can catch up with the rest of the school, but I don't think I have ssen him eating anything yet. Though he can, he just swims around with other tigers, which are eating greedily. Maybe I should try some live food...
Thanks for your help! I'll still listen out for your ideas and help.
Well fish_doc, I was at another house of ours and study... But now I'm jome cause it's too noisy (in front of it is a construction site...) >_<

[osteoporoosi]

Remember to do extra water chamges, it will help him recover.

[PigMonkeyFish]

Could be a "kinked" spine. Was it like this at the store or has it occured since you introduced it to your tank?

[UgLy_eLf]

sounds like what my Platy has, her spine is bent and she has a very difficult time swimming quickly, and steering, she just hovers around slowly.

[maxpayne_lhp]

He's okay now he can catch up with the rest of the school and has his own meals with other tigers... they seem to be at peace with each other...
That eases my pain, the bgk has passed away, but it's cool to see the litlle barb plays with others and eat..