ive got golden barbs - they are scratching themselves on the gravel?

Question

- they dont have any white spots and are eating fine -

whats up??

Answer 1

White spots would mean ick, but since they don't have ick you could be dealing with another skin parasite. Velvet is one that often goes missed as it is harder to spot. Velvet causes a golden or rusty colored film on the body of the fish that is hard to see but easier to see with a strong flashlight. In the best case it would be very hard to see on a golden barb.

They may not be sick at all and I woudn't treat based only on scratching, so watch them closely for any other signs of disease, especially gasping for breath or not eating. If those occur, treat them with a good parasite medicine and all should be well. It's easy to treat if caught early.

MM

Answer 2

If you can't see any obvious external parasites attached to the fish, then there is a possibility that gill flukes may be present. However, the usual reason that fish glance off rocks & gravel is to relieve irritation. After all, everyone likes a nice scratch sometimes. Check your water quality with a test kit, as an excess of Ammonia or Nitrite will cause irritation, as will Chlorine being present.

Answer 3

verify YOUR AMMONIA FIRST. Fish will flash if there's a intense volume of ammonia or organics interior the water. Has something replaced? have you ever used any chemical compounds or cleaners around the tank at present? Did your toddlers positioned a cupcake in? Do an emergency water replace, like 20%. in case you do would desire to cope with for ich or velvet, and you return to a decision to apply copper, determine you utilize a quarantine. could be common as a fifty 5 gallon tupperware bath with a heater and clear out with some organic and organic media fr the main suitable tank. locate the tub at domicile depot. they're low-value $15. Copper will leach into your aquariums glass, you would be able to by no potential be waiting to maintain inverts or corals in it in case you apply it to your considerable tank. additionally, get a solid copper try kit in case you return to a decision to apply copper. Too little is innefective, too plenty is deadly.

Answer 4

It could be white spot,which has been mentioned,it could also be flukes,they attach themselves to the fishes body,the scratching is them trying to rid themselves of said fluke,it could also be the start of a fish condition called velvet,watch out for greyish slimey looking patches on the fishes body,it looks a bit like mould,in the meantime do a 50% water change,fill the tank back up with cold water,it wont harm the fish and its more oxygenated,and go and buy yourself metholated blue,be careful how you use it though as it can be highly toxic to the fish,it may also colour plants and rocks etc blue,but its excellent stuff,it works and kills a variety of fish ailments.good luck.

Answer 5

They probably have some kind of disease- try putting some general aid medicine in the aquarium and/or check up a fish book

Answer 6

fish usualy do that in the wild to dislodge parasites but in this case there just scratching an itch !! dont worry you would see parasites.

Answer 7

They get there kicks from it they get a sensual feeling from it, a lot of fish do it

Answer 8

check your water quality for nitrates, keep eyes open for fin rot / whitespot

Answer 9

its natural, most all fresh water fish do it. i think they do it to rub off old scales or something
its kinda neat isn't it?
don't worry. nothing is wrong. mine do it too.

Answer 10

Laying eggs ??