Normal Behavior for Tiger Barbs & Denison Barbs?

Question

I have 7 tiger barbs, 3 denison barbs, 1 red-tail shark, and a spotted pleco in a 55 gal (4ft X 1ft). Occasionally, a couple tiger barbs swim in place (in a plant) vertically with their noses pointed staight down - and they sort of seem to be shivering like they're cold. Is this normal behavior for tiger barbs? Also, my denison barbs seem to have started some sort of game - most of the fish in the tank will skip or brush the back of their heads off the filter tube that hangs down into the tank or off the gravel or ornaments. They look like they are trying to scratch their heads or something. I checked for ick, but they seem to be ok. Is this merely a game they're playing, or could something be wrong with them? Any knowledge on the topic will be greatly appreciated...

Answer 1

To me it sounds as if the tiger barbs may be laying eggs in the plants. They are ready spawners in a well mantained tank and will lay eggs in the plants on a regular basis. Unfortunately though they and the other fsh in the tank would seek the eggs out as a nice snack so unless you set up a breeding tank you will probably see no fry or even eggs for any length of time.

The rubbing you have seen is probably nothing to be concerned about but could be a parasite. Ich is only one such parasite that would make the fish rub as you describe. Velvet is the next most likely candidate. It would appear as a thin rusty to golden shine on the fish best seen under bright light and from a slight angle. Others will eventually lead to small red spots on the fish or possibly gasping and rapid breathing as the parasites infest the gills. If you see any of this behavoir or symptoms you should treat the tank. You can treat with any basic ich medication to get rid of most of the likely infestations or something stronger like Clout. If you see disease signs and you have additional questions free free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

Denison Barbs

Answer 3

Shimmying, floating, and flashing can all be signs of parasites or an internal bacterial infection. If I were you, knowing how expensive denison barbs are, I'd start treating with a good antibiotic. You'll want to put the fish in a hospital tank though because antibiotic treatments kill off the good bacteria in the tank and you'd have to redo the cycle.