Either way, with most syno's the way to sex them is by observing the ventral area: females have a slightly raised circular area, whereas males have a small "tag" it is more noticeable in some species. [1] All the mochokids are freshwater species originating from Africa. Difficulty. In the wild, it often grazes on. A veritable mascot of Synodontis types, the Upside-Down Catfish swims just like that—upside-down!Synodontis Catfish: Your Guide To Care And Maintenance - Badman's Tropical Fish. pH 6. Like other fish species, Synodontis Nigrita also suffers from health issues, which might shorten their life span. 0-7. Start typing, then use the up and down arrows to select an option from the list sign in Treats. The temperament of mollies matches up well with the plecos. 5 to 7. These fish. Their distinct swimming habits will surely catch your eye, and their compatibility with a variety of tank mates makes them an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels. The Upside Down Catfish is sensitive to nitrates so appropriate water conditions are key. In this article, I’m going to talk about finding the perfect Upside Down Catfish Tank Mates. 8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 – 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. Community Aquarium Size 40 gallons and up. Add to. Fasting is needed to treat if the reason behind swim bladder is bloating, and antibiotical treatment is required if the cause is infection. Distribution Synodontis petricola. Lifespan. Pendants made in the shape of the upside-down. The Bristlenose Pleco is another type of catfish that can live with koi. The inverted catfish for example was imbued with symbolic significance. Swimming upside down at the surface has brought about some changes in these fishes as well. This way cory catfish will have to dig less in the gravel. 0 Tank Level: Bottom Colors: Black, White Diet: Omnivore Breeding: DifficultTo set up a community tank for a single Common Pleco and a few aggressive cichlids, you’ll need: 150-gallon or larger aquarium with a stand and cover/lid. These types of catfish are known to swim upside down. Any advice would be appreciated Thank you . 5. Watch out, however, for signs of aggression because as these fish mature, they tend to display aggressive behaviors. The Dwarf Petricola Catfish, (Synodontis petricola) is a member of the family Mochokidae, which are also known as “squeakers” or “upside down Catfish”. Angelicus Catfish are actually a separate upside-down catfish species and tend to have much shorter barbels. Life preserver Valentine rose Maple seed Disembodied voice Blarney Stone Roadrunner Auk Sherlock Holmes Gorilla Stone wheel Snakehead fish Titanoboa Nutcracker. As for vegetables, you can feed them cucumbers or peas; you should do this even if they feed on the algae in your tank. Expected life span is 5 and more years. Care Level : Moderate (needs a huge tank or pond) Size : Up to 53 inches (134 cm) Water Parameters : pH 5. Try tapping the glass to see if you can get the fish to move and swim around. Fish Size: 4 inches. You’ll definitely want to try to fix. 1. Diet. The species name membranaceus refers to membranes present on the. Some species are also known for naturally swimming belly-up, earning the name upside-down catfish. Its "upside down" orientation allows it to position its mouth close to the surface of the water, where it appears to be swimming upside down. Profile: Temperament: Peaceful; Care level: Easy; Lifespan: 5 to 15 years; Size: Up to 3. Synodontis Lace Catfish $8. You should not have ammonia in your tank if it’s properly cycled and filtration is adequate. It’s great that mollies are such peaceful fish. It is peaceful and has. O. outofwater Fishaholic. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. MakeMyHobby. The Synodontis Angelicus Catfish (Synodontis angelicus) is a species of upside-down catfish that tropical fish keeping enthusiasts also refer to as the Angel Catfish, Angelicus Cat, Black Clown Catfish, Polka-dot African catfish or Angel Squeaker. 20% OFF on products. A sole Bandit Cory may have a significantly shorter lifespan due to exposure to high stress levels. A Mekong netted in northern Thailand on May 1, 2005 weighed 650 pounds (293 kg), becoming the world record catfish. They do not eat algae or any other aufwuchs! A mix of meat leaning tabs and frozen foods ( artemia, daphnia, tubifex, white mosquito larvae) is advisable. Upside-Down Catfish. The fish will die eventually, especially if the condition is severe. MMH 5. KAMI SCHAEFER. The upside-down catfish is perhaps the most peculiar fish on this catfish species list. Prefers to swim in mid-water rather than near the substrate. A wild blue catfish has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, while a wild channel catfish has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Probably their dark, camouflaged belly hides them from predators while swimming upside-down in search of food. Size : Up to 3. – Swimming slowly or not at all. Water Parameters. tholloni, S. Synodontis njassae. Lifespan. An adult can cost between $10. 11 to 8 ouncesThe axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) sala. Make sure you stay consistent and follow the recommendations in this guide if you. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Temperature 74 – 79°F (23 – 26°C)7. However, it can be kept with more active fish including larger barbs, such as tinfoils or lemon-finned, Apollo sharks and large cichlids. Read More. Notably, the male exhibits a slimmer physique and a darker colouration compared to the female counterpart. Lifespan Of Upside Down Catfish. We strongly advise against keeping Pictus in smaller tanks, despite them being low-bioload fish. Common Names : Upside Down Catfish, Blotched upsidedown catfish. Whilst upside-down catfish spend almost 95% of their time swimming on the wrong side they will occasionally flip over and it will provide hours of. It was first described by French naturalist Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in 1809 as Pimelodus membranaceus, from specimens obtained in the Nile River. They have three pairs of barbels and are protected with an armor of bony plates across the entire body. The Egyptians gave rich symbolic and mythical roles to catfish. Max size: 4 inches. 5: Temperature:Mochokid catfish, blotched upside-down catfish, Synodontis catfish, Common Synodontis: Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris : Average Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches: Lifespan : 5 years: Minimum Tank Size : 10-gallon tanks: Ideal Temperatures : 72 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit: Ideal pH Levels : 6. C. Many Synodontis will do this for short periods, but only a few spend long periods doing this, S. 5: Diet : Omnivores but prefer a carnivorous. [7] A different theory suggests swimming upside-down makes. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. What is golden algae eater? The Golden Algae Eater is a yellow/golden coloured fish from the Chinese Algae Eater family (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri). The Pictus Catfish with their unmistakable silvery body spotted with black dots and their long barbels are a hobbyist favorite. One theory accounts for this unusual behavior as a feeding strategy. Diet. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. Upside Down Catfish spend the daylight hours hiding in caves and their nights are spent swimming continually upside down. It will also feed upon algae in the aquarium, and is a good algae controller for a planted community aquarium. #1. 3 votes and 12 comments so far on RedditEmpiric. . Striped Raphael Catfish. The upside down catfish has a max size of around 4 – 5 odd inches, and that too when it receives the desired care. The upside-down catfish is a tiny yet active fish that has the unusual practice of hanging upside down while swimming and resting. The pair have always been together. One of the smallest Synodontis species, the upside-down catfish (S. Further, this upside-down swimming posture makes surface feeding easier for the fish. Silver dollars are hardy and easy to care for. Like many other Catfish species, this too is a schooling fish, so keeping them in schools of 5 or 6 is best. With an average lifespan of 15 years, these fish require some commitment. 12 Oct. They are also to be found in the water ways of Cameroon and both of the Congo republics. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish,. Provide a bed of leaves for cryptic species like banjo cats and Pleco caves for breeding cave-dwelling plecos from the Rio Xingu. Scientific Name: Synodontis Nigriventris. My cory catfish is upside down; I bought my cory catfish from local PetSmart around two weeks ago. Featherfin Squeakers have a flattened underside and triangular flanks which lead up to their sharp, spined dorsal fin that in. Be patient. Mystus leucophasis. Most,. They also go by the names mochokid catfish, blotched. 7 to 5. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Flip swimming is usually a bad omen in the aqua world, but these upside down catfish have mastered the art! Let's find out moreHi Brown Recluse! I'm just a novice but this is my short experience with upside down catfish. Water temperature – You’ll want the tank set at a steady 68°F to 75°F that mimics sub-tropical water temperatures (make sure you have a good heater) Tank water hardness – This should be kept at approximately 7 to 10 degrees or 125 ppm to 160 ppm. Otocinclus Catfish. Scientific Name : Pimelodus pictus. Lifespan: 7-15 years: Water pH: 6 to 7. In a well-equipped aquarium, you will find it extremely easy to take care of your Upside-Down Catfish. Michael Venuti. All fish start small, but some catfish species can outgrow most home aquariums and are much better suited for a large public. Moderate. 1. May 31, 2022 Robert. Can fish swim upside down during a water change? In conclusion, water change, when done wrongly, can invite so many problems that you cannot even imagine. C. :fish: 75 gal mixed Malawi mbuna. Lifespan. My stock list includes : 3- Yellow Labs 3-Red Zebras 1-milomo hap 1-rohdessi hap 6- OB peacocks 1-demasoni 1-red top zebra 1-kenyi 2-bumble bee 2- pictus catfish 1-upside down catfish 1- unidentified synandontus cat 1-red shoulder peacock 1-afra lion cove 2- dragon bloods 3-sunshine peacocks 1-eurek 1- red fin borleyi 1-german. See moreCommon Names: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. 9 inches long. The largest catfish are both heavy and long. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. An upside-down catfish swims near the waterline. An upside-down catfish swims near the waterline. Once the aquarium has been set up and running for a minimum of 24 hours, six (6) 1. It is usually intolerant of its own kind and only one should be kept unless the tank is. They appreciate adequate swimming space and often get stressed in cramped or overcrowded spaces. The upside-down catfish's name refers to this fish's ability to swim upside-down. Best kept in small groups with other peaceful types. The key distinction is the consistency of the lines on the fish's head. Synodontis batensoda (the "upside-down catfish"). Pendants made in the shape of the upside-down catfish was a popular. Water hardness: 3-10° KH. Min. White cloud mountain minnow ( Tanichthys albonubes ): five to seven years. Catfish – Life History and Evolution The catfish population is very diverse with almost 3000 species known to date. As for vegetables, you can feed them cucumbers or peas; you should do this even if they feed on the algae in your tank. Very adaptable, but soft and slightly acidic conditions are best long term. , 1976b): When clear above the bottom and not close to underwater objects these animals swim upside-down, likely due to their surface-feeding and facultative air-breathing life-style. High-quality canister and/or HOB filtration system (s) Any type of substrate. Learn how to set up the perfect aquarium and feed your fish for a healthy, vibrant life. 0 to 7. It swims upside down along the surface of the water! It is thought that this species did this in lakes and other environments to better be able to hunt insects above water. The Nile Catfish is omnivorous feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and insects as well as algae, plankton, and detritus. Upside Down Catfish. Popular aquarium species include the shoaling transparent glass catfish of Asia, the Synodontis catfish of Africa, which includes the strange upside-down catfish, and the spotted pictus catfish of South. Finley, Lee. This unusual behavior may help this catfish find food by allowing the fish to graze on the undersides of. Swim Bladder Issues. Nile Upside-Down Catfish (Chiloglanis niloticus) is a freshwater fish that swims up-side down. Distinguishing between male and female Upside-down Catfish can be accomplished with relative ease. For instance, the upside-down catfish lives up to its name by swimming upside down. Synodontis membranaceus, known as the moustache catfish, is a species of upside-down catfish that is native to northern Africa. The Upside Down Catfish, also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish, is a unique and popular species native to the rivers of Central Africa. [7] A different theory suggests swimming upside-down makes. They are a beautiful catfish and are wonderful scavengers that are not overly aggressive. They can also use this method to fit into caves and narrow spaces more easily. When it comes to keeping a pet catfish, selecting the right species is critical. Shipping Size: Approx. May 10, 2023Jun 9, 2021As its common name implies, the upside-down catfish will swim upside-down. 0 to 7. 2 m). Featherfin Catfish Lifespan. Upside Down catfish: Although known for swimming upside down at the top of the aquarium water, this variety has the same inner ear structures and features as. 8 inches in length. You either need to get a bigger tank or rehome the fish, or they will get stunted, sick or even die. For them to reach their maximum lifespan, their diet, water. Frequently demonstrating playful traits, the Pictus catfish are. It swam with the others and never exhibited any illness. Contents. D. Nov 10, 2023 - 5 min read. Similarly, arowanas, flowerhorns, Oscars, and other similar fish will not bother a fish of a similar size, but if that fish can fit into their mouths, they won't think twice! Provide enough space for each fish. $15. 0 – 7. Difficulty. These medium-sized and robust fish are both visually striking and exhibit intriguing behaviour. How many gallons does a upside-down catfish need? tank size. The recommended tank size for Pictus catfish is 55 to 70 gallons for 5-6 individuals, more if kept in community tanks. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to the lifespan of any fish. Do not expect this fish to lengthen as long as other catfish. The Mekong is the species with the highest lifespan. If that happens then you’d need to react on time and start treatment immediately. Lifespan. These fish will grow to be four and a half inches long. 4 Bristlenose catfish, 3 are about 1. Size : Up to 3. Dive into the fascinating world of Upside Down Catfish care with our comprehensive guide for beginners. George Albert Boulanger, Zoology of Egypt: The Fishes of the Nile (London: Hugh Rees Limited, 1907), pl. Ensure water hardness is within the suitable range of 5 to 20 dGH. These unique little fish have some specific characteristics that make it important to choose their companions wisely. Sometimes, they will school together. Sep 30, 2017. Upside-down catfish are small fish that reach an adult size of 3. Cory catfish prefer to live in even-numbered schools; an ideal school would be 4 or 6 fish. $30. Lifespan. 02 of 11. How big do catfish get in a tank? Pareiorhina hyptiorhachis is only about 3-3. Some reports say that Featherfin Catfish’s lifespan can be up to 25 years, but the most. Some others may swim upside-down on occasion, especially in caves or under ledges. Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris. Clown Pleco. Average Lifespan 5 – 10 years. Moderate. These fish spend more than 90 percent of their time in an inverted posture, with a reversed color scheme to other fish - with their belly being darker than the back. This unique Synodontis swims upside down in order to feed on prey at the surface of the water. 2 catfish ,bristlenose x 2. Share. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. 8. Synodontis. Their unusual behavior have been fascinating humans for centuries. Further, this upside-down swimming posture makes surface feeding easier for the fish. Upside Down Catfish have a dark colored. Upside-down catfish. 5 and moderate water flow. 5. pH: 6. Here are 15 freshwater catfish that can be beautiful additions to your aquarium . Lionfish. It can get up to 11. Although this fish is fairly durable, the aquarist must maintain a very large tank for them. (Josh Cassidy. One fun fact about the Synodontis Petricola is that they have a unique feeding behavior known as “upside-down feeding. Use a reliable test kit to monitor pH levels, as well as other parameters like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. – On the surface, gasping and having difficulty breathing. “The upside-down catfish seems to have a whole suite of adaptations that make life at the surface more tenable,” said Lauren Chapman, a biology professor at McGill University who has been studying for more than two decades how fish respond to hypoxia in African river systems. These catfish are relatively simple to feed, and they enjoy eating omnivorous foods that sink to the bottom of the aquarium. However, some species can grow up to 10 inches long. The fish is native to the River Nile and Niger River. Mochokus. These catfish get to be about 3 or 4 inches in size, have beautiful spotted bodies, and can be added to tanks of at least 30 gallons or larger without much headache or hassle. Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. Bronze Corydoras Catfish $5. Can Red-Eared Sliders Eat Apples? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ . They prefer a pH range of 6. Lifespan: 7-8 years: Size: 5 inches: Diet: Omnivore: Family: Siluridae: Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons: Tank Set-Up: Planted community:. 7. 0 inches. Well, I recently got a large upside down catfish from a pet store to add to my 75 Gallon tank with my yellow Bullhead. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. They also require water that is well-oxygenated and has a relatively strong current. Upside-Down Catfish Image Courtesy of dkimages. Under proper aquarium conditions and care, pictus catfish can live for about 5 to 8 years on average. The aquarium size could be at least 20-gallon long tank in order to provide adequate swimming room. Kribs (Pelvicachrmis pulcher) 2 Pairs: Nichols’ Dwarf Mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi) 2 Pairs: African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) 2 PairsAquarium Upside Down Catfish Tank Care and full size growth is our topic today. Red Tail Catfish Care. And the 1 goldfish i mentioned. The Upside-Down Catfish, also known as the Synodontis nigriventris, is a fascinating freshwater fish species that can be found in the rivers and streams of Africa. Lifespan. Min. 8 inches) in length when fully mature but should not be housed with larger tank mates. Introduction. Most of them attain a size of 5. Banjo Catfish $3. Maximum size : 10 cm Home Other Catfish Upside Down Catfish Upside Down Catfish - Synodontis nigriventris : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide Introduction Photos Sexual. These medium-sized and robust fish are both visually striking and exhibit intriguing behaviour. This species is native to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Striped Raphael Catfish. Silver Dollar Habitat and Care . 5: Diet : Omnivores but prefer a. In general, these catfish have a moderate lifespan compared to some other fish species. Joined Jan 13, 2022 Messages 674 Reaction score 608 Location Boston. Upside Down Catfish particularly love mosquito larvae. The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. COMMON NAMES: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. The cuckoo catfish has an expected lifespan of around 15 – 20 years in captivity with proper care and diet, but there have been plenty of specimens that have exceeded this range,. Origin: West Africa. 30 gal hosp/quart,1 baby bristlenose. Water PH should range from 6. Upside Down Catfish 101 Care Size Tank Mates. The dorsal fin is transparent with a large black blotch on the upper fin that does not extend down into the body. Until today, I found him swimming upside down, and there was once he jumped. They are perhaps the best example of how poor habitat and care shortens the lifespan of aquarium fish. Lionfish can manipulate their swim bladders, an organ that helps most bony fish control buoyancy. Africa. A juvenile can cost between $5 and $10. – Weakness and sluggishness. An interesting oddball which mostly swims upside-down! Feels more secure if it has some hiding places such as plant matter or driftwood. Regular water changes and proper filtration are necessary for their well-being. The squeaker featherfin catfish has three pairs of barrels. Although the new species is only the size of a decorative fish, there are even smaller. He is a lot more active now than a few days ago, and the crud is gone from his whiskers. 5x Sterbai Cory - Corydoras Sterbai Catfish - Live Fish. I did contact a breeder who said it could be eggs. 08 of 11. Tank Size . The Right Water and Aquarium Conditions. Upside-down catfish: Synodontis nigriventris. Blue catfish live in main channels, tributaries, and impoundments of major river systems. Refusal to eat. LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 years. Striped Raphael Catfish. To give your fish an Epsom salt bath, pour half of the tank’s water into a clean container. Its genus Synodontis currently has over 131 recognized species. Jelovnik. 0. Long-lived fish, upside-down catfish have been known to exceed 15 years old in captivity. Lighting. This is a form of camouflage, making the fish harder to spot by predators above, such as predatory fish, birds etc. It is possible for upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) to swim upside down for extended periods of time. A bloated stomach is only normal after feeding. The expected typical lifespan of these catfish is around 8 – 10 years; however, there have been reports of some fish living up to 25 years. This type of catfish often swims upside down and very close to the surface. It consists of two hieroglyphs: n’r (catfish) and mr (chisel). The Synodontis or “upside-down” catfish is native to rivers and streams of the Congo region of Africa. nigriventris ) gets its common name from its characteristic swimming patterns. Family: Corydoradinae:. Common. The body is short and a bit flattened from sides. Temperature. He looked very healthy and actively in the past roughly 10 days. Synodontis nigriventris are best kept in small schools and hiding places should be provided in the tank. The average lifespan of an upside down catfish is around 5-7 years when given proper care and nutrition in captivity; however, some specimens may live longer if. Synodontis. 1 Additional names. In a well-equipped aquarium, the Upside-Down Catfish can live up to fifteen years. Its scientific name is Synodontis nigriventris. 5-8 years Habitat. This catfish is usually around 3 to 4 inches long and can be brown, black, or yellow. The Bumblebee Catfish is ideal for tiny to medium-sized aquariums, achieving a. 24 votes, 21 comments. Availability. 00. It is important to note that the size of the fish can be influenced by a variety of factors, including. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about upside-down catfish care. However, it is important to note that traditional methods, such as examining genital papillae, prove ineffective due to their diminutive size. 1. The Synodontis Catfish or Synodontis multipunctatus is a medium- to large-sized African catfish that is attractive, long-lived, and a great tank cleaner. In the wild, cory catfish school together to protect themselves from predators, so without schools, cory catfish may feel shy or threatened — even in captivity. Care Level : Easy. This, for instance, is the Mekong giant catfish known to live for up to about 60 years. The water should be moderately soft, around 4 to 15 dGH, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH in the range of 6. Well I do have three silver dollars but my tank is only 35 gallons and has 1 striped Raphael catfish, 2 corydoras, 1 albino corydoras catfish, catfishes, 3 guppies, 1 rainbow shark, 1 Chinese algae eater, 1 gold algae eater, 1 upside down catfish, 1 pictus catfish, and 1 clown loach. Blue catfish normally have 30-35 rays on the anal fin and have an estimated lifespan of 20-30 years. 1. 345. Sometimes, they will school together. Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish: Origin: Central Africa: Family: Mochokidae: Size: 4 inches (20 cm) Social: Peaceful: Care: Easy: Lifespan: 5 years: pH: 6 to 7. His tank mates (that he dont eat lol) is a 7 inch upside down catfish. AmphibiansDiet: CarnivoreAverage Life Span In The Wild: 10 to 15 yearsSize: Up to 12 inchesWeight: 2. Synodontis is the most widely distributed mochokidae genus, occurring throughout most of the freshwaters of sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile River system. The Synodontis Lucipinnis lifespan is quite long if given the right care, with a reported maximum age of 28 years. Updated: April 3, 2023 / Care Guides, Fish Upside Down Catfish are freshwater fish that are native to Africa. Location. Coincidentally, 6 cory catfish is the maximum you should keep in a 10-gallon tank. Around 3000 B. 0 Unported, from Wikimedia Commons. nigriventris, grows to about 6cm/2" on average and can be kept in a small group in a smallish or medium-sized tank. Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater fish species that requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. . Stocking Ratio. C. 0 inches / 101 mm: Maximum Adult Size: 4. So this weekend I got the chance to watch this super interesting documentary. This subreddit is dedicated to the 33,600 species of fish from all across our planet and primarily focuses on…Sep 7, 2006. Expected life span is 5 and more years. AFS carries a few others, such as electric catfish and glass catfish. They get along well with other small catfish as well as small peaceful fish such as small. These fish are known for their ability to swim upside down and are a fascinating sight to behold. Source: Wikimedia Commons. (schwarzwer) Kongowels , Syno. A number of the smaller species, especially those. 679K subscribers in the Aquariums community. . Sharp gravel in combination with poor water quality causes bacterial infections, which cause barbels to die off.