Gold Foil Barb

Question
Dear Chris

I wonder if I can ask a 2 part question?

I had 3 six year old Gold Foil Barbs until 2 months ago when unfortunately one died after it decided to jump out of the tank that I had absentmindedly left open!

Last week I moved the remaining two to a new matured tank (120cm 240 ltrs)it has an external Eheim filter and the water is stable and at 25 degrees. I haven't changed water yet but I would normally do a 25% change every 10 days.

I have noticed in the past 2 days that one has become aggressive to the other. I never witnessed this type of aggression before when I had the 3, so I was wondering (a) could it be that they are missing the 3rd or could it be the move?, and(b) would they accept a new barb if I introduced one?

Many thanks in advance.  

Answer
Hi Gary;

They need more of their own kind to squabble with. Barbs are active and nippy guys that do best in three or more. They need to distribute their aggression amongst a larger group. If you can find another gold barb or two of similar size it should work out just fine to add them. Avoid anything too small or they could bully it to death, especially as a stressed out new fish.

When releasing new fish into an aquarium with fish like that, feed the existing fish their favorite food at the opposite end of the tank as you release the new ones. Also, move some of the decor around right before the new fish is added. It helps distract the current residents as the new fish adjust to their new surroundings in the first few hours. If they bother the new one too much at first, turn off the tank lights for a couple of hours. It will give them all a break and calms them down until the lights come on again.

I hope it all works out well!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins