It's known as "Flashing". They do this when their skin/scales are irritated.
Is your tank setup new? Have you completed the full "cycling process"? How
are your Nitrate levels??

You may alleviate some stress by adding a tablespoon of course aquarium salt
to the water, also something like amquel might do good. Do all of this in
conjunction with a water change (20 - 30%).

HTH




"Pokey" wrote in message
t...
I noticed a some of my cichlids skimming on their sides through the sand
in
my tank. They are all juveniles. Is there any significance to this
behavior
or is it just what they do?