Chad Attlesey <> wrote: <<<< Subject: Scraping Just recently I have noticed in some of my tanks that certain fish are scraping excessively against objects in the tank. They don't have any other outward symptoms of parasites of disease. I have seen commercial remedies for 'flashing'. Does anyone know of a good way of taking care of this?>>>>> As a general rule, frequent fish scraping against objects is suggestive of a skin infection. Rare, occasional episodes of scratching should not raise any concern, other than keeping a close eye on any development. After major stress episodes (such as shipping, pH problems, etc.) these infections are frequently bacterial. In these cases the fish acts as being quite sick, often with dark colors. Under more stable conditions, the same problem is often due to skin flukes. With flukes, at least initially, the infection is very mild, color is good, and the fish acts otherwise normally. Very frequently whatever affects the skin, affects the gills too. I think that the term flashing applies to a different situation, but I am not sure. For details on treatment suggestions for skin infections see the section on such topic at: http://world.std.com/~enjolras/symtreat.htm It basically applies to Apistos too. Dionigi ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!