Scratching against rocks

[jmorgret]

I know that ich sometimes causes fish to scratch against the rocks. I have a 6 line wrasse that started doing this about 1-2 weeks ago, there is no signs of ich on any fish, including the wrasse. Is it possible this is being done for another reason that is not parasite based?? Everyone seems fine, healthy and eating, so I am not too concerned yet.

 

[leebca]

The flashing or 'scratching' of fish on tank objects can be caused by many different things. They usually have one thing in common, though. There is something irritating the fish's gills.

The irritation doesn't have to be pathogenic in nature. It can be caused by water quality issues that that particular fish doesn't tolerate well. Small spikes in ammonia is enough to send some fish to the 'scratching post.' It can also be caused by injury.

You don't mention how long you've had this fish, so the possibility of injury is not clear.

Then, every fish will flash once every hour or so without a need for our concern. It seems to be the way of some species and some fish individuals.

:rollface:

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

A little scratching is normal...Tangs and Wrasses tend to scratch more than other fish..It is thought that Wrasses do this to dislodge or expose food [pods] from the sand or rocks.

 

[jmorgret]

Interesting. I have another post here because I thought it might be a sign of Ich. But, about a week ago I upgraded my 30g to a 55g that I got a good deal on, moved everything over. Then the 55g stand would not hold my sump, so I had to remove it, nor would it hold my skimmer, which was to tall. So for the last week the tank just has a double bio wheel and no skimmer, I bought a new skimmer to hang on the the back which should get here today. Could this be a reason that would cause them to flash and not ich?? (praying) Going from skimmed to unskimmed? The fish that is doing it the most I've had for about 4-5 months.

 

[leebca]

The change over to a new tank often starts the system off into a new biological cycle. Have you been closely monitoring your water quality through all of this? Have you been checking for ammonia, nitrites, pH, etc.?

Skimming v. non-skimming I would think should not affect the kinds of water quality issues related to flashing. Irritation of the gills from water quality issues are more or less related to ammonia and nitrite levels. A change-over or upgrade, would like contribute to water quality issues until the new tank settles.

I would not assume Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) until I saw the spots. Make sure you inspect all your fish closely no less than twice a day.

I would not assume it wasn't a disease, either. (Sorry ) For this case I'd seek out sources of contamination (new specimens coming in, equipment coming from another system, water coming in from an outside source, etc.).

I would be prepared to handle the situation as if it was a disease, in any case. Whether you quarantine fish or not, it is a good idea to have meds and/or equipment necessary to perform treatment.

I wish you luck! :rollface: