External Parasites?

[gwand]

One of my Apistogramma cacatuoide is rubbing her flanks on rocks. This is an intermittent behavior. No other fish in the tank are doing this. Her body shows no signs of parasites or damage. Water parameters are fine. Is this a sign of external parasites or are there other possibilities?

 

[Uberhoust]

There are only two times I have seen similar behavior with my fish.
1) They are in the initial stages of Ich, just before the spots start showing.
2) They have an abrasion, like after being caught between two rocks or damage from netting.

But an external parasite is a definite possibility. I think you might have to wait and see.

 

[GaryE]

I've had some fish that just did that. It never became anything, and they lived long lives with no identifiable disease. I always suspect Oodinium, Ich, or the many various microscopic parasites, but they usually take off. This stays stable, with occasional flashing.

I've thought it might be a parasite that causes no major harm or outbreaks, but is annoying. But what? There are so many possibilities.

I just keep a close eye on breathing (gill parasites?), films on the skin or cysts. If it isn't something I can identify and treat, it is just something to monitor.

 

[gwand]

I've had some fish that just did that. It never became anything, and they lived long lives with no identifiable disease. I always suspect Oodinium, Ich, or the many various microscopic parasites, but they usually take off. This stays stable, with occasional flashing.

I've thought it might be a parasite that causes no major harm or outbreaks, but is annoying. But what? There are so many possibilities.

I just keep a close eye on breathing (gill parasites?), films on the skin or cysts. If it isn't something I can identify and treat, it is just something to monitor.

Do any species scrape surfaces like rocks or plants to mark their territory like a mammal does?

 

[GaryE]

I don't know of any. They'd need some kind of marking gland for that, and I haven't read of such things. It's a good question.

Some of the tougher Cichlids use spray paint - I've seen "Kribs" and "Blood Parrots" on aquarium warehouse type walls.

 

[MaloK]

Is she doing it everywhere or just on the same rock at the same place ? If it's some kind of territory thing, I assume, If not claiming the whole tank, would be limited to an area.

Is she old enough to start cleaning a place to lay eggs ?

Some research indicates that the slime coat contains chemical cues that fish can detect. These cues might convey information about individual identity, reproductive status and stress level.

So you may be on something there. But I agree to keep it on the radar for other symptoms that could indicate otherwise.

 

[gwand]

Is she doing it everywhere or just on the same rock at the same place ? If it's some kind of territory thing, I assume, If not claiming the whole tank, would be limited to an area.

Is she old enough to start cleaning a place to lay eggs ?

Some research indicates that the slime coat contains chemical cues that fish can detect. These cues might convey information about individual identity, reproductive status and stress level.

So you may be on something there. But I agree to keep it on the radar for other symptoms that could indicate otherwise.

Yes. She scrapes the same spot. She is too young to spawn, and it’s possible she is a young he. I am not sure.

 

[MaloK]

At this point... Keep up with the observation.

If too young to have any breeding behaviours, It could only be because it's the best place to scratch itself in it's mind.

In breeding period, it could be she doesn't like the surface and want's to cover it with slime before laying.