Is this what the Reefing Community calls flashing?

[NinnJinn]

I have read numerous posts in reference to fish flashing but I can never find what flashing actually was.

Is it basically the same as what I would call a fish scratching? LOL here's a video of my Tang "scratching" while in quarantine is this what you call flashing?
If this is not flashing can someone point me to a video?

 

[ngoodermuth]

For some reason I can't see the video.

People use the term "flashing" interchangeably. It can be scratching on rocks and substrate like you describe. This is a common symptom of parasites, especially when the fish appears to target the gill area.

"Flashing" could also refer to the nuptial displays of certain fish (most commonly flasher and fairy wrasses, but there are many others). Characteristics include flaring fins and actually changing colors.

 

[ShaunRobinson]

Video unavailable but flashing is basically the fish darting towards a rock or other feature and kind of hitting its side to try and dislodge what is bothering it. Happens very fast.

 

[ngoodermuth]

Here is an (old) video of a male rhomboid I owned "flashing", as a nuptial display:

Here's a picture of his normal coloration for reference:
View attachment 990827

 

[NinnJinn]

Sorry about the video folks, first video I've ever uploaded to YouTube hopefully it's working now

 

[ShaunRobinson]

Sorry about the video folks, first video I've ever uploaded to YouTube hopefully it's working now

Yep, that’s classic flashing mate.

 

[LovesDogs_CatsRokay]

I considering flashing to be when a fish puffs up their top and bottom fins like what flasher wrasses are named for. That video I would just call scratching.

 

[JBKReef]

I've always heard "flashing" as a term used when fish are sick and scratching themselves on the substrate/rocks/coral.

Agree though I have heard flashing used as well with mating rituals.

 

[ngoodermuth]

Yep, I can see the video now. I would bet money that tang has flukes, a 5-minute freshwater dip will tell for sure.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

 

[Brad Miller]

Wow, I saw the title and expected some naughty fish :)

 

[dealseer]

That’s called scratching on a PVC pipe.

 

[ngoodermuth]

well there was a lot of flashing for the reefing community at MACA last year in Las Vegas.... haha

I guess we use "flashing" in our mating rituals too? :D

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

I’d bet he’s either got flukes or a terrible case of OCD ;)

 

[Booger McMoron]

I’ve heard that behavior called “glancing”.

 

[NinnJinn]

Yep, I can see the video now. I would bet money that tang has flukes, a 5-minute freshwater dip will tell for sure.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

Indeed it does. Noticed scratching on the 29th day of being in Copper did the freshwater dip on the 30th day and is now being treated with prazipro

 

[ca1ore]

Depending on the species, flashing can be about mating or even feeding. In the case of a hippo, it's almost certainly a effort to dislodge a parasite.

 

[JAM-MAN]

Yes

 

[puffy127]

Depending on the species, flashing can be about mating or even feeding. In the case of a hippo, it's almost certainly a effort to dislodge a parasite.

What species flash during feeding? Do cleaner wrasse?

 

[ca1ore]

My leopard wrasses routinely rub up against the substrate, I assume, to dislodge any tasty morsels. That is certainly what it appears to be to me. Don’t recall seeing my blue streak doing it though.

 

[puffy127]

My leopard wrasses routinely rub up against the substrate, I assume, to dislodge any tasty morsels. That is certainly what it appears to be to me. Don’t recall seeing my blue streak doing it though.

Thanks.