Question about a texas cichlid?

Question

i have one of them in my 55gallon tank and i sometimes catch him rubbing his body against the rocks i have set up for caves...he has no ich spots or fungus of any sort he just seems to do it sometimes as if he has an itch...is this something to be worried about

Answer 1

I don't know but my boyfriend and I got a Beta fish about two weeks ago and she rubs herself against the gravel every so often and she sheds.

When she sheds its like a snakes skin.

Answer 2

It's called "flashing" and it's a reaction to some sort of irritation. Could be parasites or an ammonia reaction or some other skin disorder.