Why aquarium fish scratch themselves on the substrate, on stones. Reasons and what to do about it

Have you ever noticed that the rocks or gravel in your aquarium fish’s tank is what they are rubbing against and wondered why? Although it might seem strange, aquarium fish frequently exhibit this behavior. Fish that scratch or rub against surfaces typically indicate that something is off in their surroundings.

Infections on the skin or parasites are the main causes of fish scratching themselves. The fish may rub against hard surfaces to get relief from the discomfort caused by these microscopic invaders on their skin. The fish may also be coping with chemical imbalances or poor water quality, both of which can irritate and stress them.

What then should you do if you observe your fish scratching? Make sure the water in your tank is clean and in balance before proceeding. If you see any indications of an infection or parasite problem, think about speaking with a veterinarian. The best way to stop this behavior and maintain your aquatic friends’ happiness is to keep your tank clean and make sure your fish are healthy.

Why does this happen?

The fact that fish scratch themselves is the result of several unique circumstances. These are usually the kinds of reasons that show up bright and sudden, against a background of total well-being. They have the potential to itch one, multiple, or every fish in the aquarium. Everything hinges on how sensitive each person is to the ways in which risk factors act and how resilient they are to a given change that has taken place.

This is their natural behavior

Fish will naturally bump up against rocks or other items in their aquariums from time to time, especially when it’s mate-time. There’s no need to worry if this is something you only see from time to time and the fish acts normally in other respects. However, if this occurs frequently, you should examine the aquarium’s water composition because toxic fish ammonia can build up in it.

Water composition

The water’s chemical makeup typically varies based on:

  • water disinfection methods;
  • the number of fish living in the aquarium and their sizes;
  • the presence of live plants ;
  • composition of designer souvenirs;
  • features of the aquarium care regime;
  • qualities of the fish food used;
  • availability and technical characteristics of the accompanying equipment.

Keep in mind that the aquarium is disinfected with chemicals that contain chlorine when filling it with tap water. The majority of their initial investment goes toward eliminating biological pollutants, and residual chlorine is nearly always found. Fish may become irritated by it, itch, and want to scratch. Tap water needs to settle for at least four to six hours in order to avoid this.

Be aware that all living things, including aquatic life, release nitrogen compounds during their lives. When these compounds build up and lack oxygen, they have the power to drastically alter the chemical makeup of water. Fish species that require pure water are sensitive to these risk factors. The solution to this predicament is to routinely replace one-third of the water with clean water.

Though they appear to be made to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, live plants are also affected by chemical imbalances in water. They start to rot, turn yellow, and finally lose their leaves and perish. Another irritant for delicate fish is the byproduct of their decomposition. Their skin is a site where dangerous materials build up and, as such, a sign of trouble ahead. The fish tries to rub itself against the ground in an unconscious attempt to get rid of aggressive substances.

The second theory explaining the emergence of the "rubbing fish" symptom is based on allergic responses to the food consumed, plant fertilizers, and medications used to maintain plant cleanliness. They are produced using modern technologies that frequently allow for the addition of unique preservatives to lengthen their shelf life. The fish may react insufficiently to these elements, resulting in fins that stick together, a continuous rash of white dots, and an unhappy and tortured appearance.

Biological factor

Inadvertent introduction of parasites into the water can occur when introducing new food into the diet, planting plants from other aquariums, or getting new fish. These could be:

  • Trichodina;
  • Costia;
  • Ichthyophthirius;
  • Gyrodactylus and others.

The naked eye cannot detect parasites, and they hardly ever alter the characteristics of water. But when they land on the fish’s body’s surface, they seriously irritate the animal, obstruct its ability to absorb nutrients, stop it from maturing, and upset its regular routine. The fish tries to scratch itself on hard surfaces when it moves, bending its entire body and appearing strange.

What should be done if the fish itch themselves on everything that comes in contact with them? Pet supply stores sell specialized preparations with antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties for this purpose. The recommended course of action and usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer must be followed when administering treatment.

Kindly take note! Both bacterial and viral diseases develop through similar mechanisms. Such creatures may contaminate water as a result of improper hygiene practices, the use of untested food, plants, and animals, and so forth.

Video – Ichthyophthirius: treatment and prevention

Fish are stressed

Fish that are mistreated may also rub up against rocks, hide among aquarium plants, or even just lie on the bottom. Having no friends with whom to confide can also occasionally lead to stress.

Keep an eye on the fish for a week if you think it’s scared or going through certain experiences. Maybe someone in your family or among its neighbors will help you identify the culprit. After that, the attacker ought to be moved to a different aquarium and given a lesson to the person who enjoys tapping on the aquarium’s glass.

If the physical parameters of the water change

Aquarists are aware that a shift in the physical characteristics of the aquarium’s water can cause fish to exhibit the symptoms of itching and the urge to scratch on the ground or other hard surfaces:

  • its temperature;
  • hardness ;
  • alkaline index ;
  • oxidation;
  • hydrogen indicator;
  • number of phosphates, sulfates, nitrates and other compounds.

Why does this occur? Because an abrupt change in their typical living environment causes stress in aquatic life, which is comparable to a person experiencing intense emotional pain. Their physiological makeup establishes whether there is a causal link between traumatic experiences and skin health. This symptom differs in that it is transient. If the new features of the water don’t conflict with the fish’s usual environment, they will eventually adapt and the scratching will stop.

Your fish are bored

Like humans, fish can occasionally become bored, particularly if they are captured in the wild and kept in an aquarium. Rubbing against rocks or other objects is a common boredom-related behavior. Try to make your fish more entertained by adding decorations such as mirrors, live plants, caves, floating objects, and other items that will stimulate their brain activity. Alternatively, if the fish is lonely, you can give it companions.

If your aquarium fish have started scratching at the substrate or stones, it’s usually an indication that something is off in their surroundings. This "flashing" behavior can be brought on by a number of problems, such as parasites, contaminated water, or irritation from rough surfaces. It’s essential to comprehend the causes of this scratching and take the necessary steps to keep your fish happy and healthy, such as monitoring the water quality and treating any possible health problems.

Reason Description
Parasites Fish might scratch themselves if they have external parasites like ich or flukes. These tiny invaders irritate their skin.
Fungal Infections Fungal infections can cause fish to feel uncomfortable and scratch against surfaces to relieve itching.
Water Quality Poor water quality, including high levels of ammonia or nitrites, can irritate fish skin and make them scratch.
Physical Injury Sometimes fish get scratches or injuries that make them rub against objects to soothe the pain.
Stress Stress from overcrowding, sudden changes in temperature, or aggressive tank mates can lead to scratching behavior.
What to Do Action
Check Water Quality Test the water regularly and ensure it"s clean and at the right levels. Do water changes as needed.
Inspect Fish Look closely at your fish for signs of parasites or infections. Consult a vet or fish specialist if needed.
Adjust Tank Conditions Ensure the tank setup is appropriate for your fish species. Provide hiding spots and avoid overcrowding.
Treat Infections If you find signs of illness, use appropriate medications or treatments recommended for your fish"s condition.
Reduce Stress Create a calm environment by keeping tank mates compatible and avoiding sudden changes in conditions.

If your aquarium fish are scratching themselves on the stones or substrate, there may be an issue with their surroundings. This is frequently a reaction to discomfort or annoyance. Although external parasites like ich or flukes are the most frequent offenders, the problem can also be brought on by rough surfaces in the tank or low-quality water. If you want to make sure your fish stay happy and healthy, you need to know the underlying cause.

Examine the water’s quality first. Verify that the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are within safe bounds by conducting tests. To keep things under control, clean the tank and perform routine water changes. Examine your fish carefully for any indications of parasites or injuries if the water quality is good. Fish may occasionally scratch themselves to relieve the itching brought on by these microscopic intruders.

Make sure the substrate and decorations in your tank are smooth and unlikely to injure anyone in addition to following these instructions. Surfaces that are rough or sharp can irritate your fish’s skin and cause them to scratch. To lessen this risk, think about incorporating softer or more rounded materials.

You can help prevent and treat scratching behavior by closely monitoring water conditions, checking your fish for health problems, and maintaining a safe tank environment. Maintaining a healthy and happy environment for your fish in your aquarium requires regular maintenance and observation.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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