Scratching?

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Gruntking

Gruntking

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 24, 2011
1,279
2
38
Miami
Im new at this hobby and just wanted to know if fish scratching themselves every once in a while is normal. I have noticed that a couple of fish (maybe 3) in my tank like to scratch themselves against the gravel every so often and dont know what to think of it.

Thanks in advanced.
 
Sometimes they also do that to try and dislodge parasites, particularly if they have them in their gills.
 
Thanks for the help so far, the water seems to be fine as i just tested it.
The fish in mind are blue johanny's, and jewel cichlids and their around 2 inches long.
They scratch themselevs maybe 2-3 times in an hour period that i have seen them. I have also heard that this could be Ick as well but i dont see any white spots on any of my fish.
 
ammonia - 0
nitrites - 0
nitrates - 20 or less.

I would do a water change, at 40 you shouldn't see flashing.. so it can also be a improper read. I would ere on the side of caution and do a 25% WC and test again to see what your getting as a reading. Once you can rule out water quality parasites would be the next one to cross off.

clamped fin
flashing (scratching)
white spots

are all signs of Ick. but there are other bacterial and parasite conditions that are associated with flashing.

Has the water been thoroughly de-chlorinated? this can also cause flashing as a result to gill burn. excessive ammonia will also cause this.

fish will occasionally scratch themselves.. but multiple times in an hour is not normal behavior.
 
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