Tiger Barbs sleep Verticle?

[eatingleg4peanut]

I have a 20 gallon planted with 10 tiger barbs. I woke up today and clicked on the light in my room, but not the tank, and noticed they were all "Sleeping" head down in the plants. It made me nervous at first, but I turned the tank light on and they all resumed their normal schooling behavior. Just figured I'd share since it was pretty neat.

 

[Chicklette]

Ya, when I had my tiger barbs it scared the crap out of me, i thought they were all sick. But realized after that is just how they sleep, pretty strange.

 

[Gruff Master]

This is natural behavior for them. That's why they and similar species are called, "Head Standers." It looks weird when you're not expecting to see it though. It freaked out my wife too.

 

[GhostShrimpMan]

Yes, normal sleeping behavior. My clown barb does this too.

 

[Redearsunfish]

I've seen this behavior as well.

 

[Nighttouch]

Shocked the hell outta me too. And apparently neither you nor I are the only one.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Yup, mine too. My denison barbs also "sleep" on the bottom of the tank on the sand at night.

 

[knifegill]

This is cool info! Makes me think about buying a few for kicks. Anybody know if rosy barbs sleep strangely? They're my favorite barb species so far.

 

[TheRealAndyCook]

something worth knowing, thanks for the info

 

[fishbum]

Quite a few fish do that.And their colors will fade as well.