[mhenderson5581]

I have noticed that my demasoni have been scraping the sides of there boby on the rock and sand. At first I thought that they were getting some sort of parasite. But after further investagating they all seem really healthy. Is this something normal or should I be concened?

 

[xenergyx]

my Mbuna did this a lot in the first couple months I had them, but now so much anymore...

Its normal if they do it some, but constantly would not be good.

Its called 'flashing'? I think I remember hearing that term, I could be wrong maybe someone else could chime in.

I think its funny when they scrape against the sand and kick up little clouds :lol:

 

[DJRansome]

Malawi do it to show off too. If they do it too frequently, then it's a cause for concern.

 

[bmills]

I'm glad to be reading this thread.

On the odd occasion - often around the time of a 'scuffle' between the males in my tank, my Labs, Maingano and Acei do this too. Not heaps but a little.

I'm glad there;s a chance that its natural behaviour and not necessarily sign of a parasite or something.

 

[Gibbs]

Thats right it is called flashing and it is natural cichlid behavior, how ever constant flashing is not.
If your fish are constantly flashing then you should check your water parameters. High nitrates and ammonia can cause this and you may be overdue for a water change.
Cichlids may also go through flashing periods after a water change due to the slight change in water hardness and also your Ph. but this should pass quickly.
Sometimes after feeding due to ammonia being released from high protien pellets and flakes fish may flash but this to should pass rather fast.
If it's just occasional don't stress :fish: