Did my RTC just do a YAWN?

[Phractocephalus Hemioliop]

My RTC does this pretty often. I think its a yawn but i never knew fishes did yawns! especially not yawns that look a lot like humans! It only lasted for 2 seconds, he does it daily and his mouth would resemble a triangle so he looks like he is smiling! It is so adorable! He is just a 14cm baby and will soon be moved in to a 2.5 meter long tank [i'm not exactly sure what the dimensions are, is that big enough for him??].

Has anyone's RTC did a yawn like this daily? and is it even called a YAWN? or is he just 'holding his breath' or 'stretching his muscles' or something?

 

[mjohns]

Yes most fish "yawn", probably just stretching their mouth or something.

Definately not uncommon!

 

[steelshade]

My chiclids do it a lot and my catfish occasionaly.

 

[justonemoretank]

It is normal if he does it occasionally; however, make sure you are keeping an eye on your water params. Sometimes high ammonia or nitrate can cause this 'yawning,' also. Just wanted to let you know.

 

[justonemoretank]

Also, are you asking if the tank is big enough now, or for his life?

 

[Phractocephalus Hemioliop]

Also, are you asking if the tank is big enough now, or for his life?

i'm asking if the 2.5 metre long tank is big enough for him when he gets bigger and bigger everyday. i estimated that it would be about 1000 litres. but if it isn't big enough for him, i'll just have to put him in the pond.

 

[smartlove_518]

i'm asking if the 2.5 metre long tank is big enough for him when he gets bigger and bigger everyday. i estimated that it would be about 1000 litres. but if it isn't big enough for him, i'll just have to put him in the pond.

no that tank is not big enough for life.you will have to put him in the pond eventually

 

[Rusty Gilbert]

My fish do it all the time usually after they eat.

 

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

My catfish and loaches do it all the time
It's cute