Flashing Tropheus

[Seed]

Here's the scoop. The fish has begun rubbing against rocks a lot. When not doing that, it hides under rocks with its fins pulled against its body. It also shakes its head around as though trying to dislodge something or shake something off of itself. There are no sores, no signs of ich, gills look ok, breathing is somewhat more rapid than it used to be but it isn't hyperventilating, its eyes are clear, there are no signs of fungus. Its body is black and I can see nothin on it. In fact the fish looks quite healthy other than this behavior.

It is darn near impossible to catch still and hides in the rocks whenever I attempt it. Hoping I don't have to dismantle the rocks in order to treat the fish.

Hoping this is something that can be treated in tank without disrupting the filter.

Water stats:

NH3/NH4+ = 0
NO2- = 0
Nitrate = 20

KH = 179
GH = 212

Temp = 76 Deg F or 24.5 Def C

 

[CFC]

I've moved this to the african cichlids section where it should get a better response.

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Symptoms sounds like Ich but as you can't see anything it could be some sort of parasite. I'm not sure if any parasite treatments damage the filter bacteria or not. I'm sure someone will know. But that's my guess. If it is possible to catch the blighter a salt bath might help.
P.

 

[dthoffsett]

Sounds like some sort of parasite to me, though not sure which one. I'd suggest PM'ing Wilder and see what she thinks.