Why are my koi flashing?

1) Koi Flashing After Food

Sometimes, the gill rakers (located on the gill arches, and functioning as a food filtering system as the koi eats) become clogged with food when eating. This can result in koi flashing behavior, as they work to free their gills of this excess food.

Why do my pond fish keep flicking?

Fish flick and scratch for the same reasons that other animals including humans, they are trying to relieve irritation and dislodge foreign objects from the skin. Different fishes will show many varieties of this behaviour.

What does koi flashing look like?

“Flashing” is the term used when Koi turn on their side and swim rapidly and erratically. The term probably comes from the bright flash of light that is often seen when the fish turns sideways and the sun reflects off the scales.

Do koi flash when spawning?

Some koi breeders believe that when koi fish are flashing during spawning, it means they are planning to release eggs. So if your koi is flashing just before spawning, then this could mean that eggs are about to be released.

What does fish flashing mean?

Jessie Sanders. Flashing is a behavior fish utilize to itch their bodies, most commonly associated with parasitic infections. Since they do not have arms or fingernails, they must use objects in their environment to scratch themselves.

Koi flashing?

Does flashing always mean ich?

Flashing doesn't always mean ich. It can mean flukes, too. All of my fish went through copper and prazi and my Hippo tang still flashes on occasion.

How can you tell if a koi is pregnant?

Look at your koi and try to determine whether the belly looks rounded or a bit bumpy in appearance. A pregnant koi will have a very full, almost "bloated" look about it. It might look like it is holding small marbles inside, but these are simply eggs that it will lay.

How do I know if my koi is stressed?

Perhaps the most obvious indicator of stress is change in the koi's appearance. Their orange, copper and buttery glossed goodness will fade to a dull matte. And damage to scales or fins that might attract predators will surely induce anxiety.

How do you cure flashing koi fish?

Flashing behavior in koi, particularly staying toward the surface of the pond floating on their side, can be caused by poor diet. All koi should be fed a varied diet that can include spirulina, wheat germ, citrus fruits, raspberries, shelled peas, bloodworms, and a variety of other supplemental treats.

Do I need to add salt to koi pond?

Consistent exposure to low salt levels can help reduce stress levels while improving gill function and oxygen intake in your fish. More importantly, pond salt aids in the development of a stout slime coat on your koi that helps protect against parasites, bacteria, and other toxins in the water.

Why is my koi swimming erratically?

If you see several koi swimming erratically, rubbing themselves along the bottom or wall, or jumping out of the water (flashing), this is often caused by parasites. Next, pay attention when it's feeding time. Pay careful attention to new koi and any that are not eating, or seem disinterested in feeding.

Why is my fish thrashing around?

High ammonia or nitrate levels, low oxygen levels, improper temperature or a high or low pH can cause stress. If you have a saltwater tank, incorrect salt levels could have a similar effect.

Why is my fish rubbing on the glass?

Fish exhibit many behaviors that tell us how they are feeling, and glass surfing (also known as pacing) is one of them. This is when fish constantly swim up and down the sides of the aquarium glass. One reason they do this is stress. It could mean they aren't happy in their environment, for one reason or another.

What time of year do koi lay eggs?

Spawning season usually takes place in the early mornings during May and June. As the koi prepare to spawn, the males will start following and showing interest to the most receptive and fertile female.

How can you tell a male koi from a female?

The easiest way to tell is from fin shape and color. Male koi have smaller, more pointed fins that are opaque and generally colorful. Female koi, on the other hand, have larger, rounded fins that are partly or completely translucent or even transparent.

How long do koi stay pregnant?

Koi do not get pregnant and are not live-bearers. Koi fish typically mate in warmer water in the spring or summer seasons. The mating period lasts about two to three days in which the female lays the eggs upon various surfaces while the male shortly after fertilizes them.

Why are my koi chasing each other?

The chase is a prelude to bumping the female around plants and rocks so the spawning process can take place. Even if you have two couples in your pond, the males may still compete with each other for both females. The size of male koi will have a lot to do with this behavior.

How do I know if my fish are mating?

Mating Ritual

Signs that your goldfish are ready to mate include white spots along the gills of the males, and the female will become fatter and more rounded. The male will then chase the female around the tank to encourage her to release her eggs.

Why do fish rub up against things?

Fish scratch themselves against things because they're experiencing an irritating sensation. A poorly cycled aquarium may cause your fish to experience this sensation. This is more likely to happen when you change the water in the aquarium or the aquarium itself.

What are the symptoms of gill flukes?

Symptoms: Gills swollen and pale, high mucus secretion, spreaded opercula, restless, near inflow, gasping air, heavy ventilation, dark color, loss of weight, cease to feed, swimming with high speed, jumping out of water, scraping against objects.

Why do fish rub against each other?

Food and hunger always play dirty tricks! Different species obviously have different energy needs, and if food is insufficient, there is a risk of leaving some fish without it, which may make them turn against each other.

How do I know if my fish has ammonia poisoning?