Tiger Barbs - cannibals?

[Roses]

I had 10 tiger barbs, 3 of which have died over the last 2 weeks. By the time I got to 2 of them, there were only heads left. The other one was floating on the top of the tank. We recently introduced 1 yoyo loach and 2 neon rainbow fish, but it was the barbs that I saw eating todays dead fish.

They all look and act healthy enough, but the barbs seem to just eat and eat. I have to be careful as I don't want to overfeed them, but worry that the other fish don't get any food!

Is it possible that the Barbs are hungry so eating each other, or more likely they are just eating their dead family member?

[KarlTh]

Eating the dead.

[Rbishop]

Most all fish will nibble on other dead fishies. What size tank do you have these barbs in?

[Roses]

It's a 60 litre tank.

[KarlTh]

Way too small I'm afraid. These are active fish which will reach 3-4"

[Roses]

Yes, but they won't grow that big overnight. They are absolutely tiny at the moment and we can easily upgrade in time.

[Rbishop]

If cared for properly, you need a new tank in 4-6 months.

But on the other hand, tiger barbs are aggressive and very active. They need plenty of free swimming space. Regardless if they grow slowly or fast, the tank you have does not provided their minimum care requirements.

Small space will tend to draw out more aggression and increase stress.

[Roses]

Thanks for the input. We worked it all out before getting the fish and decided it was a big enough tank for the fish we got. I'm not saying you're wrong, but what can I do right now if you're right?!

It's quite annoying thinking you've got something right when you haven't!

[Rbishop]

Well, you may have the option to return the barbs and get ones more compatible for your size tank. Just a thought...

[Roses]

aww, I like them! I'll speak to my husband and see what we come up with. :-)