Loaches Online Forum

Was trying to take some close ups of some of the smaller fish in the tank when I noticed the barbels on one of my larger Clowns [the one on the left] weren't the usual shape. There are 4 distinct splits on him.
I have never noticed these before despite having him for a while now so I managed to snap a few half decent photos of him before he moved.





Obviously I cannot say whether these are a genetic/natural split or whether they are due to damage. Either way I'll keep a closer eye on him and see if they change at all.

Has anyone else come across this or have any other Loaches, or even other barbelled fish like this that shouldn't.

Its got split ends

I did once have a weather loach that had branched ends on nearly all of its barbels but its wasn't like that when I got it, it did develop over time and like you I wondered if it was natural or down to possible damage.

The only thing I did think is if it was down to damage I would have expected at least one of the others to have at least one barbel like this

Great pics by the way

i've seen this in all different species of fish with barbels that predominantly stay on the base of the tank, it happens alot with Corydoras.

mick

Interesting... I've seen Corydoras, Synodontis and various Loaches with really worn down and infected barbels usually due to poor substrate conditions - not substrate choice but actual state of the substrate but can't recall ever coming across split barbels.. I'll have to pay more attention in class..