Why do fish rub up against things in the tank like the deco?

Question

Is this something i need to take care of and how?

they dont seem to be gasping at the top for air . But I have had a swordtail die and a barb. in the last 3 days. The fish did hang around my air bubbles that i have in tank

Answer 1

its called "flashing", and its usually caused by parasites or bad water conditions (although other things can cause it as well).

firstly, check your water. check temperature, PH level, nitrites, and make sure it has been conditioned (or had water ager added). PH and temp will depend on what type of fish you have.

if all water conditions are normal and they are still doing it, i would treat for parasites - you can get medication from your petshop.

some chemicals, new plants in the water etc can also make them itchy.

are there any other symptoms such as gaping for air at the surface... or lethargy... or clamped fins.. or anything else?
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Answer 2

I agree with what everybody else said... Could be parasites and/or poor water conditions, but...

I have a Texas Cichlid that "flashes" on occasion, but he shows none of the other distress signals indicative of disease (loss of appetite, compressed fins, shy behavior, parasites visible on scales). He only takes 2-3 swipes at the rocks and he's done; I won't see him do it again for a few days.

If your fish acts like my Texan, eating well, and otherwise behaving normally you may want to just check water conditions, clean/treat if necessary, and hold off on medicine.

If your fish "flashes" more frequently or displays the other distress behavior, you will want to go to your local pet store and purchase a parasite treatment medicine. Ask questions there and always follow the instructions on the container.

Answer 3

'they scrape parasites and micro organisms off.. if this is a new fish in a new aquarium check the water temp.. changes of just a few degrees form their pat environment can cause ictyothsisis ( i'm sure that's not how you spell it ) also ask the guys in the pet stores they see this all the time and can make recommendations on what to add or subtract

Answer 4

Some fish may like to rub against things as part of their behavior.

Other fish prolly have some sort of parasite on their skin, and they are itching themselves.

Answer 5

Sounds like they've got a fungus or a parasite - it itches so they are scratching! I can't tell you much more, if there are not physical symptoms (you can't see anything on the fish) then treat with Jungle Parasite Guard.

Answer 6

Bottom line---dirty water.