Why do my Cichlids keep scratching themselves on the rocks?

[The Cich Guy]

Please, someone tell me why my cichlids are scratching themselves on the rocks. This only started when i got three new electric yellow cichlids.

 

[Jchillin]

Sounds like the first signs of ich. Please check this article:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=32

 

[DeFeKt]

question: are they actually rather still and scratching or are they sort of "dancing" and flicking themselves off the rocks and sand.
if the latter there can be a couple of different answers.

M

 

[The Cich Guy]

They look like they're flickering and dancing while they are scratching.

 

[DeFeKt]

and swimming around in circles chasing each other?

 

[The Cich Guy]

not chasing each o ther but yes swimming in circles.

 

[DeFeKt]

ok well besides ich, this could be an indication of poor water quality, check your parametres, or failing that (and ich) they're probably showing off to each other. Especially if they are "flickering" and "shimmying" infront of each other. So don't be suprised if eventually you get a spawn out of them.

 

[Menagerie]

My Mbuna cichlids often rub themselves on the substrate. Showing off? Having a good time? Trying to mate? I'm not a fish shrink, but there's no ich in this tank and I'm betting there's no ich in your tank either. Check the water parameters as DeFeKt suggested and enjoy the show.