The other day I noticed one fish kept twisting around on it's side and then back to it's normal way and then would quickly swim all around the pond. It was playful looking but I have read about flashing and wondered if that was what was going on. I haven't seen her do it again since but that water was it's warmest that day she did that. Does she have a medical condition, was she flirting and being "frisky" or what? My water conditions were all great that day and the pond is salted lightly (all my fish have been with me about 5 weeks to 1 week with a total of 14 fish@ 4500 gallons of water). She only did this for a few minutes and then went back to being a typical butterfly koi in my pond. No scraping against the rocks either.
Explain what "flashing" means
If it's a continuous condition, it most likely has parasites. (Normal for fish, and very easy to fix) They flash to scratch the itch against the side or bottom of the pond.
If it's temporary, some females will do this as a weird nesting ritual to attract males, even though koi dont nest.
You can go online and get a parasite medication to add to the water, it's a very easy solution, and most of the time should be done each spring anyway.
Thanks MerryMary-I will keep an eye on her-She hasn't done it again since that I have noticed but I will get medicines for future since it is that common. Does the heat of the water play a role in this parasite? The water was at it's warmest of the season that day (we're in the Chicago area and the weather has been very cold for Spring this year).
Actually it's the change of the water temps that can cause bacterial and parasitical action in the water. Many times when the water warms up, they all get going, but unfortunately the fishes metabolism and immune systems aren't back up to par from the winter chill. That's the key time that bad things can happen to your koi. Most people treat their ponds in the spring, to combat that , until your koi can take over.....and again in the fall, before they setttle back down again for winter.
If you have a microscope, scape and scope the fish. See what parasites it has and treat them.
This is one heck of an expensive hobby. . . Microscope???? What the heck have I gotten myself into here??? It's too addicting!!! (you're all probably smiling and/or laughing at my naivety. . .).
So tell me-what kind of microscope power and type do you all recommend? (Those things are expensive . . $$$)
No need for an epensive one. Just get a standard price miroscope and you will be fine ;-]
Don't forget, you have to catch the fish first!!... then do a scraping.
? Never had need of such. Neighbor has 20,000 pond and has been ponding for years. Nothing on that magnitude.
Thanks Crazy (I understand the user name . . .LOL) for the extra boost to my ego. Catching the little bugger will be a challenge. I'm still thinking she's a wanton tramp looking for love and flashing all the right places . . . ♥♥♥
Actually, she still has not had a repeated performance but the weather has cooled again. Crazy Chicagoland weather!
Okay, back to the scope-what does a "standard priced one" even mean to me if I've never bought one before??? I'm a rookie remember. Also, how strong of a magnification do I need? I don't want to underestimate and have to buy a bigger better model for some other fish ailment-that would kill me. . . Please advise!
The average price is 200+ There is 4, 10 and 40 magnification on it. Thats the on we use.
MM isn't there a vet in your area that would do a scraping on your fish if needed?
Can't imagine it would cost all that much. Check the yellow pages.
Trust me, well wort investment.
We will look into it.
You should. Do you have a quarantine system set up?
Yes on the quarantine system although it is holding a tropical water lily I ordered that got abused by our weird weather and one night of cold weather. I am babying this plant back from the dead. Also, I think my fish may spawn (i have a few with eggs) and the tank may well become the nursery!