Emperor Angel flicking

-Nana-

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My Emperor Angel is flicking. He doesn’t seem sick and has no visible spots, wounds, etc. Is this normal behavior?
 

Jekyl

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Jay Hemdal

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That's called flashing. It is basically the fish scratching against some skin irritation. Fish will also "fin flick" where they flick their fins, for the same reasons. A couple of flashes now and again may not indicate anything serious, but in the video, the fish seems pretty intent on flashing. With no spots visible, the typical diagnosis is flukes. Emperor angels often develop Neobendenia flukes, but those usually also cause slightly cloudy eyes which I can't really see in the video. If the condition worsens, you should treat for flukes. Hyposalinity works for most flukes (but cannot be done with invertebrates present). All exposed fish will need to be treated. Praziquantel is a reef safe treatment, but it does not always eradicate flukes 100%, especially Neo.

Can you provide more history - how long you've had the fish, how long its been flashing, other animals in the tank, etc.

Jay
 

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