Kribs scratching flanks

Hi all

I have a tank with a pair of kribs in them and periodically they will rub their sides on the gravel. I cant see any external parasites. Anybody have any ideas ? Will carry out water tests as well.

Luke

 

Hi Luke

Your fish have got some parasite that is bugging them,therefore the "flicking" as we call it... Very few ectoparasites are big enough to be viewed with the naked eye... If you have acess to a microscope - that would be best to 1st visualy identify and treat for the correct nunu...

Otherwise,a good over the counter anti parasite tratment from your LFS is worth a shot - sometimes one just has to reduce the number of the parasites on the fish.... then it's immunity can kick in properly and keep them in check.
Please sort this out - if your pair breeds,the fry losses could be quite heavy to these parasites due to their small size.

 

Hi Azurekoi

Will do have to go in anyway to lfs so will just add it to my shopping list. I make use of rain tank water is it a possible source of contamination ? Appreciate the input.

 

I doubt that it is the rainwater.... Most parasites require a host to survive and for them multiply - if you have no fish in your rainwater collection tank - no chance of parasites. G'luck!

 

It sounds like it could be flukes which are tiny little parasites that attach themselves under the scales and into the skin or alternatively to the gills but they they would be doing a lot more head "scratching". I have to agree with @Azukoi, get a broad spectrum treatment that includes a treatment for flukes (Sera Omnipur) and I think that should sort the problem out.

HTH. Just my 2c worth...