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Hi Ned,

My brother-in-law has a 29 gallon tank with a few Bosemani Rainbows, two small cherry barbs, some dwarf gouramis, and australian rainbows. There is one large bosemani male that I noticed had some bites on the top of his body. He is significantly bigger than any other fish in there. I was over there again over the weekend, and he is much worse, to where it looks like the bites are down into the flesh. While observing, we saw one of the cherry barbs take a bite at his wound. The smaller bosemani are fine, and show no effects of aggression. Does this mean the larger Bosemani is weak and the others are just picking on him, or do the Bosemanis and cherry barbs just not get along? They had been together for some time before any of this. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben

i have two cherry barbs and they are the shiest fish i have they dont even chase eachother maybe it could be another fish that made those bites and the cherrys nibbled at it but im probly wrong.

I would remove the attacked Boesmani to a seperate tank to heal
(he is valuable)
I'd also add additional cherry barbs.
They are a schooling fish and 2 is not a school...
I've never heard of an aggressive herry before...

Thanks, Ned. I thought Cherry Barbs were prettty peaceful, but I couldn't think of anything in there that would be attacking the large Boesmani, and that was the only thing I saw take a nip. I was thinking maybe they sensed it is sick or something. It is looking a little pale, but no other signs besides the missing flesh on top. would you recommend salt to help disinfect?

yes
salt is not a bad idea
2 teaspoons per gallon MAXIMUM
...also a mild antibiotic like Erythromycin won't hurt

How is the water quality? do regular water changes get done? poor water quality could cause the fish to break down, and then the other fish would bite at the wound.