New Member

Posts: 1
From:WV
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-26-2003 04:55 PM         

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My new Black Ghost Knifefish seems to be itchy! He's always scratching himself on some of the tank decorations. I've seen my little cory catfish doing this too about a year ago, but since my new fish is 20 bucks, I'm a bit more concerned. Why is he itchy? Should I be worried? If so, how can I.... un-itch him?

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 08-26-2003 09:20 PM         

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There are a few reasons your ghost might be scratching. Knife fish are sensitive to ammonia. Check your tank for ammonia. Also he may have a parasite. Check for ick (small white spots). Even if you don't see white spots on the skin he could have it in his gills or possibly gill flukes (another parasite).

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Member

Posts: 52
From:Farmington Hills, MI, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 08-28-2003 03:36 PM         

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Do you have a ghost house for him? Or anywhere else tight to hide? Black ghost knives are very shy and like to hide. What you perceive as 'itching' could be him trying to blend into the objects and failing. A ghost house is a clear tube that gives the knife a place to hide but lets you still see him. You can either spend 10 or so dollars on the real thing or you can spend 5 or so and buy a hampster tube that works just as well. Give that a shot before medication.

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