View Full Version : Fish 'Rubbing' on the gravel
I have noticed in a couple of my tanks,mostly the aggresive community, some of the fish rubbing their sides on the gravel or decorations. I have heard that there is fish lice, i think. I'm not sure what that is. Can anyone help me on this , please?
Lila
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:07 PM
itchy because of ich?dirty water?tiny parasites? or just plain itchy.
no ich..the water isn't bad, I am going to do a change tomorrow though. It was changed two weeks ago. But, I noticed this happening for a while. I thought it might be a territorial thing, but I have seen more of the fish doing it. I was wondering if anyone has had this happen, and if it is tiny parisites..what do Ido?
If it continues after the water change, do I assume it's a parasite?
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:14 PM
is it chronic or seldomly?
appears to be chronic I guess. Everytime I sit and watch them, I see at least three of them do it. I just watched my chipokee do it about four times around her castle. then over buy the other castle. But, I've also seen some of the others rub on the castles.
krowland
12-14-2002, 8:16 PM
I experience this behavior with some Tinfoil Barbs I have had for some time now. They have no signs whatsoever of any disease. Maybe they're just scratching an itch.
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:17 PM
Chronic sounds like parasites,maybe slime coat disease?
what are other symptons of that disease? If you know more about it.
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:22 PM
i've encountered this disease only once,the fish scratches,the slime coat gets totally rubbed off,infection takes place and kill the fish,parasites on slime coat causes fish to rub slime coat off.Not sure about treatment.
Thanks...I'll look into it some more. Thanks for the info.
Lila:)
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:26 PM
versaquatics (http://www.versaquatics.com/disease_diagnosis.htm)
try this
Kit Walker
12-14-2002, 8:29 PM
Any flickinging or rubbing is usually the first sign of flukes (fish lice). Usually the only exception is large cichlids, who can flick as a territory behaviour or in an attempt to push around decor. Flukes are not visible to the naked eye, unlike ick in which you'll see white spots, and if infestation reaches the gills then the fish will eventually die. I'd immediately start a course of Sterazin (5 day course) as a precaution, even if it doesn't turn out to be flukes the Sterazin doesn't harm nitrifying bacteria.
Thanks for the link. One thing I have noticed, is that they don't have any white spots on them. Was one of the first things I looked for. Also looked for any damaged scales.
Kit...what is sterazin?
1 fish 2 fish
12-14-2002, 9:27 PM
I believe this is called flashing.
Kit Walker
12-15-2002, 3:52 AM
True. Flashing is the correct term. Sterazin is a product by waterlife to treat Body and gill flukes, and internal parasites. I'm sure there are many others, but I know that Sterazin is safe for nitrifying bacteria.
fishlips
12-15-2002, 6:22 AM
How long before death occurs?
wetmanNY
12-15-2002, 6:50 AM
Fish lice are Argulus if you want to look them up.
Sterazin is designed for trematodes (gill or skin flukes) and internal nematodes, but not for single-celled ectoparasites.
One of the first things to know about fish-keeping is that fish don't just do that. The action is usually called "flashing."
AquariaCentral has a Freshwater Newbie Forum.
goldfries
12-15-2002, 8:01 AM
what would you do if your sides itch and you have no arms to scratch it?
Shikkapow
12-15-2002, 9:34 AM
Originally posted by goldfries
what would you do if your sides itch and you have no arms to scratch it?
bribe a friend..:)
Rocketman
12-15-2002, 9:53 AM
Some of my feeder guppies I am breeding have been doing that for the 3 months I've had them for - I've had only 3 deaths, (expected from feeders, out of 20) and have only noticed what I think is ick. As the guppies are usually assaulted within seconds of entering the main tank though, and I've already tried to treat it, i'm just letting it slide.