Just Flashing???

[mwsmith15]

I have a 55 gal with a low load (firefish, bi-color blenny, rainford's goby, 2 peppermint shrimp, cleaning crew). The saw the firefish itching on the sunstrate. He did this 3 times, but only on this one occasion, yesterday. He has no visible leasions, marks, bumps, or otherwise. He eats and is as active as he ever was. I am going to monitor him today to see if he continues to do this.

My question is: Is it normal for fish to flash like this every once in a while (descaling??) or is this a sign that something might be off? All tests come back as they should (NO4, NO3, NH4, PH, Alk).

 

[Steven Pro]

I would keep a close eye on things. Particularly, watch for the rate of respiration. Anything faster than one gill pump per second is something to be concerned about.

 

[mwsmith15]

Thanks for the reply.

I havent' noticed anything out of the ordinary after the first scratching. I think maybe he just had an itch, lol. Also I read that flukes generally dont affect firefish, they are more likely to be found on tangs and butterflies. Anyways, I will keep an eye out, but hopefully it was nothing.

Thanks again.