Tropical Fish Forums

[Zowie72]

Something is not quite right with one of my male cherry barbs... I was feeding my fishes some bloodworms yesterday and this particular cherry barb seemed to have problems eating one of them, it was sticking half out his mouth for a while, but eventually went down. However now he appears to be almost gasping (mouth and gill movements are too fast) and can't seem to eat anything, he pulls food in, but it comes straight back out again. Could the bloodworm be stuck still? Is there anything I can do for him?

Any help appreciated,
Zowie.

[Marcos Avila]

How's your barb now?

Fish can definitely choke to death, there are several reports here on the board and all over the net, but in most cases it involves attempts to eat hard or spiny critters such as cories or crabs. Worms and other softer foods aren't usually problematic...
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Success with a fish/tank is measured in YEARS, not months or weeks...

[Zowie72]

Thanks for the reply! My barb is fine now, he spent a couple of days not being able to eat and sort of gasping, but he continued swimming normally. I kept an eye on him and he's managed to sort himself out and is happily eating and chasing females again.