Itchy gills?

[matty]

I have asmall problem, All my fish are diving into the sand and it looks like there scratching there gills or the side of there bodies they also do it on rocks. What causes this and what can I do to stop it?

 

[BBReef]

its most likely a parasite, probably ich. i would quarantine them asap.

 

[kellane1]

itch

I may be going about this the wrong way but my dottyback was rubbing himself against the substrate too.
What i di was a half water change and he seems to have fixed himself up..
But i only have two fish in my tank and have just finished cycling..

 

[steve-s]

Fish "flashing" can be caused for several reasons, predominantly parasites but water quality can cause the skin to become irritated.
As mentioned by BBReef, a proper <<quarantine tank>> should be prepared in the event the fish have a parasite problem. If necessary, they can then be treated preferabley with <<hyposalinity>>.

Have you noticed any other problems, white sugar spots on the fish, labored breathing, darting or surface gulping?

What are the water parameters, tank specs and fish?

Moved to the SW sick fish/coral section

Cheers
Steve