silver dollar barb

Question
My silver dollar barb that was about a year old, all of a sudden developed an enlarged,distended bottom lip. After one day of this he seemed disoriented, banging into the sides of the aquarium. He then swam upside down for a while and later died. After death, his lip no longer appeared distended. There was no other visible problems. What caused this?

Answer
Hi Joan,
Sounds like an injury. If your fish is what I think he is... A Tinfoil Barb-
http://www.tropical-fish-pictures.com/fish-pictures/tinfoil-barb.jpg

Then I do suspect he likely spooked sometime or another and crashed into the sides of the tank or even into decoration. I've personally experienced losing these gorgeous fish to such accidents. The problem is they are so fast, quick to panic, and grow large that they are very very likely to hurt themselves sooner or later, even in large tanks of 100 gallons or more.

Poor thing. Its sad to loose such beautiful fish but its something that we must know can always happen.

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~