Africans doing barrell rolls? PLEASE HELP

[blazin4fish]

My africans started doing barrel rolls last nite and scratching up against rocks like they had an itch haha? is this normal or is there something serious here?
i have a lot of bubbles and they seem to do it next to them, but i dont know, i got confused, but its fun to watch. Please any help would be greatly appreciated, im just worried

 

[Final Dynazty]

most likely an internal infection, and/or parasites. I would go to ur LFS and get medicine quick. IM leaning towards both.

 

[freddyk]

What you are referring to is called 'flashing' and is perfectly normal for these cichlids. Unless they are doing it excessively you have nothing to worry about.

If they are doing it excessively, first make sure the ph is not fluctuating. Then look for other signs of problems - I wouldn't jump into medication that quickly.

 

[Ferris]

Agree with freddyk, this is very normal for African Cichlids. My Mbuna do it all the time.