striped barb pregnant?

Question
Hello. I got my tank from a friend that moved. It is a 55 gallon. It had 2 sharks, 1 catfish, 2 kissing fish (1 big, 1 small), and 3 striped barbs. The tank got really stirred up when we moved it and alot of yuk got loosened from the rocks.  I got the water just right but when I added two plecos I think they brought ick to the tank and they both died as did the 2 sharks and the catfish.  That was 2 weeks ago.  Since the water has been treated, the other fish have been doing fine.  Today I noticed the the larger of the striped barbs has been swimming funny - kind of like she is too heavy in the front and tipped forward.  She is also very much larger around the belly than she was 2 weeks ago.  THe medium size barb has been staying right near her and rubbing against her. What should I do?  I have a seperating screen that I can slide into the tank to keep other fish away from her without removing her from the tank. Should I do this? Should I keep the other fish (Dad maybe?) with her or away? Please help ASAP.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Vicki,
 Unfortunately barbs do not get pregnant and do not give birth to live young.  They lay eggs.  It is possible that she is full of eggs that she might lay.  In that case, you will want the male (if he is a male) in the tank with her to fertilize the eggs.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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