mine does the same thing when i watch him. the inside of the tank has a reflection on it, i saw it when i looked at it from the side and top. usually he does that facing the back or sides, but ive learned that when he does it to the front, hes gettin hungry
other possibility
my gspuffer has no salt in his tank,idk why but the guy at the petstore said he would get sick and turn black if i put salt in the tank. i tested what he said when i got home and sure enough my puff turned black and started laying on the bottom of his tank. ive also read about them needing brackish water when they reach maturity, but i wouldnt know off hand.