Deteriorating Syno barbs

[bleu8]

Have a 1-year old african catfish who's two barbs on the one side began turning white on the ends about one month ago. Today these barbs have almost wasted away.

He has also been more active in nature coming to the front of the tank and resting on the gravel. The rest of the tank mates appear perfectly fine.

Any ideas? on treatment or causes etc....

Thanks Bleu

[jonah]

Just a guess here. The barbs might have been damaged by the gravel. Does it have sharp edges? I lost a skunk loach that way once.

If they look infected I'd use melafix on the tank.

HTH