Why do fish "flash"?

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jeffries

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 20, 2009
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Philadelphia, PA
Mine has been doing that quite a bit lately... brushing the top of himself against the sand substrate. Does this mean he has Ich or is this indicative of something behavioral? I have been treating for Ich just in case, but I am curious as to what this behavior might mean.
 
my pacu was doing it and i have treated for ich, and any other parasite/fungus and it still does it so i don't know i think it might be the behavior, a way of showing themselves off.
 
Most saltwater fish do this to get rid of little parasites. I guess this is the fish equivalent of scratching them selves.:ROFL:
 
Could be Ick, external parasites, clearing gills after feeding, or just showing off. The first 3 are more likely, though....
 
Fish also flash due to ammonia burn. Make sure and check your params.
 
I aggree on the ammonia.
When i started out in the hobby, i had a bad case of new-tank-syndrome and all my carp where flashing violently.
Impressing other fish will only happen on short occasions, and even a fish can have an itch now and then, but if it's continuous, please check your waterparameters.
 
How could we possibly know without params.? LOL you must have your Magic 8 Ball out.
 
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