Rubbing on rocks

[April]

Three days ago I got an albino shark and a rainbow shark. The previous day I got eight platys. Today i have noticed that the sharks, and at least one of the platys are rubbing their sides on the smooth rocks in the tank. I didnt quarantine the new fish before putting them in the tank, as the local aquarium from where i got these fish, have a good reputation for quality conditions etc. I also have 2 angels in the tank and they seem to be unaffected. The rubbing fish dont appear to have any marks on them.
I have a 4ft heated planted tank with a ph 7.8.
Do you think my fish have a disease or bacteria?
April x

 

[420Loach]

it may be the beginning stages of ich. my loaches used to do the same thing befor they came down with a case.

however...my loaches still do this from time to time, and dont develope ich, so they may just be scratching themselves. keep an eye out for white spots (kinda like salt) on the fish that are doing the rubbing.

 

[Avalon]

I agree with 420Loach. Ich always begins in the gills, as it's the most sensitive area of a fish.

While your LFS may have very good conditions, ich inhabits the majority of fish and aquariums. It can be present without visible symptoms. I would suggest that you keep the conditions in your tank as stable as possible. Ich takes a strong hold when fish are under stress, and transporting fish, along with introducing them to a new enviornment can cause severe stress. If you can keep your fish calm so that they can adjust to their new home, they can fight it off through their immune system. At the first visible sign of ich (white spots), you will need to treat them immediately. There are several extensive posts on ich treatment on this forum; I recommend that you do a search! There is some great advice!

Good luck with your fishes!