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Why do fish rub on the gravel?


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#1 Guest_electricblue_*

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Posted 22 October 2007 - 07:14 PM

Just wanting to hear peoples opinions on why they think fish rub/flash on gravel/decor?

Some of my fish do it occasionally and i would like to know why?
I find that it is only cichlids that do it.

Does it have anything to do with dominance role of males?

What are your opinions?

Thanks...

#2 Mintox

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Posted 22 October 2007 - 07:24 PM

Usually fish flash when they are being irritated. This is usually caused by some parasite, bacteria or something in the water. I guess they could also flash to rub a recent irritable wound.

I've been told rift lake cichlids flash more due to their water conditions affecting bacteria on their skin, something a long those lines. A flash every now and then shouldn't get you worried, if they do it all the time, maybe check your water.

#3 Mr_docfish

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Posted 22 October 2007 - 07:27 PM

Either something is not right with the water quality, or there is a gill/skin parasite annoying them.
Test the water first for everything you can (particularly ammonia and nitrite) before going further. Even a small nitrite peak several hours after a big feed can irritate them. Adding salt may help in some circumstances. It is common to see it happen every now and then, but not repeatedly.
If symptoms persist, and you are concerned, post up more detail.

doc

#4 cichlid hunter

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Posted 23 October 2007 - 02:49 PM

I have notice most cichlids do it. I agree with the comments above smile.gif

#5 Guest_electricblue_*

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Posted 24 October 2007 - 07:44 PM

Thanks for the help guys biggrin.gif

some of my EY do it once or twice a day. Is this a cause for concern or just normal behaviour?

The tank is very well filtered and with good water conditions. There are also 4 large albino bn that seem fine.

I cant notice any spots on them, and they all have a massive appetite!!

Thanks!

#6 Dramat1c

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Posted 24 October 2007 - 08:59 PM

i guess they are like us, sometimes we are itchy too so we have to scratch tongue.gif it makes you feel good or better loL

#7 Mr_docfish

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Posted 24 October 2007 - 10:19 PM

(electricblue)
...... and they all have a massive appetite!!

Just out of curiosity, can you check the nitrite levels about 6 hours after a normal feed. If they eat a lot in one feed, there might just be a small nitrite spike at this point in time, which can cause the fish to scratch. Not a cause for concern, scratching twice a day would be considered within a normal rate, but a small level of nitrite can cause some damage to sensitive species, particularly Tanganyikans. It would not hurt to test it to see if the filter can handle the amount of food going in. If there is any trace of ammonia or nitrite at this time after a feed (both levels should be 0), try feeding smaller amounts once or twice a day.

doc

#8 Guest_electricblue_*

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Posted 25 October 2007 - 08:12 PM

Thanks for the help biggrin.gif

Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0.10
Nitrate: about 50, very high, will water change tomorow and clean filters!
Ph: 8.2

#9 Iamsam

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Posted 25 October 2007 - 08:15 PM

(electricblue)
Thanks for the help biggrin.gif

Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0.10
Nitrate: about 50, very high, will water change tomorow and clean filters!
Ph: 8.2


yep nitrate to high and ammonia should be 0

#10 Leevers

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Posted 25 October 2007 - 11:10 PM

in other words, do a water change asap

#11 Guest_electricblue_*

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Posted 26 October 2007 - 04:34 PM

you little beauty post #10001

#12 tywonreef

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Posted 26 October 2007 - 11:22 PM

have u checked for white spot disease.that usually is a sign its coming on.this time of year its a great issue.shops will agree.temp fluctuations,seasonal change contribute to this.u wont c it at first,but when it festers n covers the fish your in trouble.yeah sure fish scratch to itch but not all the time.parasites will do this.if we have infections like ringworm,thrush,tinia its itchy.we scratch same as fish.if this is the case bump temp in tank up to 32 dgrs treat with an anti parasite and do this over 7 days.good luck.

troy




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