My cherry barb is sick, can anyone help?

[rimbaudsarm]

I know this is a catfish site, my cats are all well at the moment, however I have a cherry barb who is sick and wondered if anyone might be able to shed any light. It is a female who is showing what looks to be bleeding under the skin around the anus. I am wondering if I should treat for an internal bacterial disease or is there something more specific I should be treating for?

[sixftsam]

One thing i would wonder is what sort of illness this is, and more importantly is it possible it could spread to other fish within the tank, or should the others be safe? perhaps a holding tank would be needed to treat the illness and keep other fish safe? im afraid i dont know enough about what the problem is however to be able to provide more advice, perhaps someone with more experience can help a little more.

[apistomaster]

It sounds like the cherry barb has an internal bacterial infection called bacterial hemmoragic septicemia and this is incurable but contagious. Remove the fish immediately.