Is this normal gourami behavior?

Question

Some of the gouramis in my fish tank rub the side of their heads on the tube of the bubble maker, they then jet off and swim away quickly and then go back to do it again a couple more times in a row. Is something wrong here or are they just playing around?

Answer 1

mine did the same off the internal thermostat i thought he had the ick but he hasnt done it in a long long time dont get me wrong my fish aint ur fish it could b serious get 2 ur pet store and get it treated it will cause ur fish a whole lot of stress which will result in their death.

its up 2 u 2 save ur friends which im sure if ur like myself bring u endless enjoyment

Answer 2

This is a sign that something is irritating their skin.  It could be an infection (Ich, velvet, flukes, columnaris, fungus, or anything else, really), environmental toxins (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine, heavy metals), or simply a little itch.  If they do it several times a minute, start doing more frequent water changes and watch them closely for developing symptoms.

Answer 3

no it is not normal for gouramis to do that.  it might be ick

Answer 4

my gouramis do the same thing for fun!