Bad shape Tiger Barb

Question
I think my fish swallowed some irregular food or inhaled too much ir because he cant swim right he always floats around and swims akward, i know hes alive but another problem is evrytime he hears a loud noise outside the tank he spazzez out, i really need some advice on this plz-thx!

Answer
Hi Bill
Usually a fish having trouble swimming, or floating to the surface, or sinking is a sign of swim bladder problems.  I've never had tiger barbs, so can't say for sure if they're "sensitive" to noises, but sounds to me like he's stressed.  Also, I do believe tiger barbs prefer to be in groups of at least 3-5 to feel safe.  That could be the problem.

What size is the tank?
How long has it been set up?
What else is in the tank with it?
Do you know your water parameters-ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates?
How often do you change the water?

First, swim bladder can be caused by a few things.  Could be air in the bladder, could be constipation, could be poor water quality, temperature fluctuations, etc.  If you have a test kit(if not buy a good one) and test your water quality.  Ammonia and nitrites should read 0 ppm, and nitrates under 20 ppm.  Those are the only acceptable levels.  

So, to start I would do a water change of about 25%.  And if you're not, get on a schedule of changing out about 25% of the water once a week.  Be sure the new water is very close to the same temperature as the tank water too.
Next, try feeding it a pea, split it so the insides are open a bit.  A lot of times that will help.

Try those and see if they help. If not, get back with me and we can figure something else out.  Also let me know on those questions.  

Good luck!!

Christy