Other reasons for flashing besides internal parasites?

High levels of organic solutes might encourage bacteria, but external parasites really are the usual offenders. There are two categories, medicated differently: single-celled protists (formalin/malachite green), or flukes (praziquantel). Flukes are in the same phylum as flatworms.

A momentary gill itch could be caused by a bit of detritus passing across the gill. Continued flashing should be communicating distress.

Chronic gill irritation causes hyperplasia, or swelling and fusing of the gill lamellae. Is the fish gasping yet?
 
no its not really persistant, its usually once in a great while. Like once or twice a week, but I noticed her do it the first time about 2 months ago and started keeping an eye on her, and she didn't do it again for a couple weeks, then did it again, and now I have seen her again today doing it. I just assume she has been doing it off and on since the first time I saw her. She isn't gasping at all. Looks and acts like a normal healthy fish until she scratchs.
 
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