abnormally huge stomachs of tiger barb

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I had three tiger barbs in my aquarium. The stomach of one of them grew abnormally large and died. Now, the stomach of another is growing huge. I don't even overfeed them. Is this fish safe? If not, what can I do?

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Thanks for your prompt reply, sir. But there is no chance of uneaten food falling to the bottom and rotting. I have many other varieties of fish along with my tiger barbs. The food is eaten by all of them right in front of me. Moreover, why should the increase ammonia and nitrite levels affect only the tiger barbs, while all my other fishes are all fine.

Answer
Ravi,

Poor water quality is responsible for the stress that causes disease in tropicals in almost 90% of cases.  Had you told me that you had other fish in your tank that were unaffected I would not have mentioned the nitrogen cycles except in passing.

The condition you describe could well be DROPSY.  It is not necessarily contagious.  I suggest you treat your affected barbs with MARACYN PLUS, following the directions carefully.  Please do not discontinue treatment if your fish start to improve.  Treat as long as recommended.  Make sure you remove carbon from your filter during this period.  Good luck to you and keep me posted.

Michael J.