picaso scratchin

[big d]

Just bought a picaso trigger in my 100 gallon tank. My tank is doing fine and has been for at least a month with no problems. Today I noticed the picaso scratching on the rocks. Does this always mean ich? Could it be something else? Help if you can Thanks in advance.

 

[saltwater4me]

It may be ich, but through my experiance it has parasites in it. Whenever fish get parasites they start scratching, to get it out. There is a great medicine I have used to get rid of it called "life bearer", you can pick it up whenever you go to your lfs.

 

[dugan]

Doesn't always mean ick. Any other signs of problems? Is he breathing heavily (so to speak)? White spots? How are your water parameters?
I wouldn't treat based solely on the scratching.
Katie

 

[dugan]

How long did you QT the Picasso?
Katie

 

[goofieones]

scratching sure isn't a good sign of a heathly fish, and could be ich. Usually by the time you can really tell a fish has ich,(i.e. seeing the white spots) it takes drastic measures to get rid of it. Anyways you should put him in a Q tank for about one month, that is the going rate. Some do it for less. But I would start feeding with garlic, you can find great recipies on this site. If you notice anymore signs you may want to medicate the Q tank.