Phantom Scratching

[king bubba]

Every few days one or two of my fish will appear irritated by some unseen entity that will cause them to be goosey and cause them to scratch themselves. Only lasts a few minutes and then all is calm. No new fish. No new tanks. No change in appearance or appetite and no change inwater parameters. Any thoughts? Thanks. Bubba

 

[leebca]

Fish normally will 'scratch' or 'flash' every now and then. Usually not a problem. But at some point the frequency of this activity does become a concern.

Something going on in the gill(s) is usually the cause. Disease, flukes, damage, etc. are all possibilities.

At what point to be concerned? I usually begin to worry when I sit back at a distance and once the fish get over seeing or noticing me. . .If any single fish flashes more than once every 15 minutes I know something is wrong for sure. Once every few hours, and I don't worry. In between is the grey area.