Need Fast Help w/Tiger Barbs!!

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DFWchiclidlover

Registered Member
Jan 6, 2005
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I bought 2 tiger barbs a year and a half ago to acompany my wifes Male beta fish in a 5 gall hex tank. I would 1st like to say that these are the most hardy fish I've EVER encountered. I know that the beta chases them but he never really attacted then. But the questions are, why does their body sometimes look transparent? Its been that way since I bought them home. 2nd how long do they live? and the last but not least is recently one of them lost a eye for some reason and the other one was half out! So I noticed that he is completely blind due to him staying in one place and when the beta comes to bully him he just stands there. The sad thing is, is that he cant see to eat and I know he is hungry b/c he moves around when he smells food. I try pulling food next to him but he knows something is wrong a wont eat. 2 weeks later now the 2nd barb lost a eye and it looks as though there sockets are bigger than the eye ball (if that makes sence) Its a sad thing and I didnt want to put them down (to sleep) but I think that they are just suffering now. what do you think happen? Is it normal to lose a eye? As you can tell I never really had time to see them being that I was a local tech for companies and all was on the go. But now I'm a 14hr aday office warrior and they are right next to me. Any help will be appreciated.
 
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DFWchiclidlover said:
I bought 2 tiger barbs a year and a half ago to acompany my wifes Male beta fish in a 5 gall hex tank. I would 1st like to say that these are the most hardy fish I've EVER encountered. I know that the beta chases them but he never really attacted then. But the questions are, why does their body sometimes look transparent? Its been that way since I bought them home. 2nd how long do they live? and the last but not least is recently one of them lost a eye for some reason and the other one was half out! So I noticed that he is completely blind due to him staying in one place and when the beta comes to bully him he just stands there. The sad thing is, is that he cant see to eat and I know he is hungry b/c he moves around when he smells food. I try pulling food next to him but he knows something is wrong a wont eat. 2 weeks later now the 2nd barb lost a eye and it looks as though there sockets are bigger than the eye ball (if that makes sence) Its a sad thing and I didnt want to put them down (to sleep) but I think that they are just suffering now. what do you think happen? Is it normal to lose a eye? As you can tell I never really had time to see them being that I was a local tech for companies and all was on the go. But now I'm a 14hr aday office warrior and they are right next to me. Any help will be appreciated.
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The pale look can be a result of too things from my knowledge.....

1. Bad water conditions. Hi nitrates, ammonia, etc.....

2. Stress. The betta may not catch him, but he may be stressing the tiger out resulting in poor colouration on the tiger.
 
Thanks I guess its the Nitrate and stress. It wasnt until now I knew that they were stressed. I thought they were cool as long as they didnt get bit. Poor barbs. Its hard to mantain a 5 galled tank with sensitive fish. Anyone know why their eyes are disapearing?
 
ok guess what I was going those some pictures on this site and found that I have Serpae Tetra! That explains the pal coloring compared to real Tiger Barbs. But I will still look up the "pop eye" Sickness. But do you actually think the betta took them out? Also what or how can I feed the blind one? And if it gets too bad whats the most respectful way to put them to sleep?
 
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