I just noticed the other day that one of my four male cherry barbs is looking a bit thin and deformed. Can anything be done or should I just euthanize the poor little guy? He's still eating and swimming - just doesn't look "right" in comparison to the other ones.

Certainly looks off doesnt he Mary. I wouldnt euthenaise him though if he is still eating and swimming ok, just my opinion though

If he's swimming and eating I would leave him for a bit too Mary. I think in the end he's going to get worse and you may well have to do it in the end, but I'd give him a bit and see how he goes.

Those were my thoughts too, given that he is still motoring along. I'm wondering if I should maybe quarantine him though and treat him with something? It might be worth a shot anyway...

What would you treat him for Mary - some sort of internal parasite/bacteria??

Yep. I was thinking of using either Myxazin or eSHa 2000 together with a fish wormer but I'm going to research his condition a bit further first. IME sometimes if a fragile fish is moved to a Q tank, the stress can kill them anyway and I don't want that to happen.

The Cherry Barb deteriorated last night so I moved him into the Q tank after I'd moved the male Honey Gourami into the 90L tank. I'm treating him with Interpet No. 9 as that seemed the most appropriate medicine but I don't hold out much hope for the poor little guy.

Oh thats a shame Mary. Wave the Clove Oil at the tank and see what happens

Meanie! :lol:

Hope he improves - honestly! :lol:

Too late! You jinxed him...

Awww he looks like a runt

RIP little Cherry Barb.

Oh, sorry Mary, thats bad luck.

Thats life it weans out the weak and crushes them!

I got a gammy Zebra too - I cant take a photo atm my camera phone sucks big time I am trying but all i see is smears where the fish are supposed to be!