you know, do they ever get itchy??
2006-12-15 13:06:33 · 8 answers · asked by beutifulblacrose 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Sometimes fish rub against rocks or decorations in the tank, this is called "flashing" and is typically the result of parasites in the body or on the gills. There are various medications that combat the parasites, some are even mixed into food for the internal parasites. I prefer to mix in a little minced garlic with their regular food. It is a good way to clean the parasites out of your fish and it increases their appetites. Makes them healthier all the way around. Make sure you buy the minced garlic packed in water, not oil.
Water parameters can also make a fish "itchy". It is usually because the ammonia levels are too high (it is burning their gills). Check your water for high ammonia level and start doing regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes to keep the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels to a minimum. All three of those chemicals are killers.
2006-12-15 15:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't call it an itch, exactly, but they can feel irritating in their gills and under their scales due to injuries, parasites, or water parameter changes. When they feel 'itchy' they will rub against rocks, wood, ornaments, etc, this is called 'flashing'. However, healthy fish should not exhibit this behaviour; it means there is something amiss in the tank.
2006-12-15 21:18:56 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually yes as stated above. Most times it a parasite and they hit on rocks trying to help. We really can not say if it an itch, but, use Human experience to assume. Similar to a tick makes us itch.
2006-12-15 21:15:44 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FIsh are itchy all the time. They are itchy creatures. According to my research,the fins of fishes are too short for them to scratch their backs thats why they wiggle when they swim they or when they are out from the water. They wiggle to create friction in order for them to scratch their itchy bodies.
2006-12-15 21:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by Livefast23 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are prone to many diseases that can make them scratch against rocks, etc. The best site I've found for fish info is www.wetwebmedia.com
2006-12-15 21:09:53 · answer #5 · answered by anonemus2000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally if they scratch themselves it's a sign of external parasites like ich, or velvet. Often the early stages of ich this is the only sign ich will often attack the gills where you can't see it.
2006-12-16 00:50:50 · answer #6 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope not. It would be a ***** to scratch.
2006-12-15 21:09:46 · answer #7 · answered by markmccloud_1 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
no,they have scales
2006-12-15 21:13:40 · answer #8 · answered by Vincen† 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋