tiger barbs?

Question
QUESTION: Renee,
I hope I can get the salt in time. So far so good. Iv also got 2 tiger barbs in the tank and was wondering if you knew how to tell the difference in female and male.
In the tank now Iv got 4 goldfish, 3 dalmatian Mollies and 2 tiger barbs for a total of 9 fish in 8 gallons. Is that too much?
Manahil

ANSWER: With Tiger Barbs, the male won't look quite as round from the front or the top.  The female, when mature, will pooch out toward the bottom if you are looking from the top down.  Also, males will be more colorful, just a bit more.  Otherwise it's very difficult to tell.

Yes that is too much.  The goldfish require 3 gallons to 5 gallons each.  They are high poopers.  They have to go.  That may be a reason for the death of the Molly, as they require good water conditions.  

Goldfish really aren't household aquarium pets, but everyone keeps them.  They belong in ponds.

:)

I hope this helpsa lot...and we have a new litter of Mollies this morning.  The female has been alone over a month, yet keeps having litters.  They can do this.  Without a male, once fertilized, they can reproduce over and over for about 2 months.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Renee,
I just don't know how to get rid of the goldfish. I love them all and I don't know anyone who would even buy them, far from taking care of them. I don't even know what price to sell them at if I ever get them to sell. I have green tiger barbs and I still can't get a hold of them, I mean they are super FAST and hard to find. Usually hiding behind plants or near the filter. Is that normal? Or are they sick?
Manahil

Answer
Hi Manahil,

Lol, the barbs are healthy.  Healthy barbs are fast.  Sick barbs are slow.

The goldfish - maybe you can put them on craigslist and offer them to an approved home.  Go to the houses, check out the potential owners' tanks.  They will get wonderful homes.

Renee