Why is my electric catfish whipping itself on the floor of the aquarium?

Question

It behaves rather strangely. Usually when he gets out of his cave for some reason he'd whip himself against either the rocks or the side of the aquarium. Is there a reason for this?

Answer 1

The "whipping" you're describing sounds like what we call "flashing" - it's a behavior shown by fish that have a parasite. The swim and scratch their sides against the gravel or objects in the tank. Check its body to see if it has any sings of a parasite - this could include raised white dots the size of salt grains, a powdery white coating (may be most noticeable on the fins, will change color to rust-gold under bright light [such as a flashlight shone on it]), or a buildup of the fish's slime coat. See these for diagnosis: http://www.klsnet.com/files/fishchart.htm
http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/stressdisease.shtml - photos of ich and velvet

There may also be a problem with the water quality, especially if anything was sprayed around the tank - fish can also show the same behavior in the presence of an irritant or toxin.

A last thought is that your fish may be showing spawning behavior. These haven't been reported to have spawned in aquaria, but when spawning, they dig out areas in which to lay their eggs (good if it's only rubbing against the gravel to push it around).

Answer 2

It's an instict to stir food from the bottom. Mine does this too, then seems to investigate anything that floats up. These other folks seem to be unfamiliar with the species. They just do that. Not rubbing, whipping.

Answer 3

its the sign of stress check the water temperature and quality.

Answer 4

this may be an indication of ick.i know that my fish would do this when they had ick.check your fish for this and treat it asap.fish can die from ick if not treated.

Answer 5

my fish did that and idint know what ot do so i just watched him to see if he stopped, a few hours later he was dead.....

Answer 6

SOUNDS LIKE HE WANTS HIS TANK CLEANED.