Heavy Breathing

[CichlidKid]

Hi all,
For the past two days, my oscar has been breathing really heavy. He's opening his mouth really wide every second as if he were gasping for air. Does anyone know if this is common, or is there is something to do for him. I feel like he doesn't have enough oxygen. Let me know, Thanks.

 

[ewurm]

Increase aeriation, and check water parameters. Could be disease, stress, or bad water or a combination, but is definitely not normal. Also be sure to check temperature.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Its probably from a lack of enough oxygen in the water. As suggested, check your water..especially the ammonia levels. Increase the aeration by either adding an air pump and bubble wall, or adding another filter to increase the surface movement on the water. I'd also suggest a 50% water change AFTER you test your water (for an accurate reading), and probably extra water changes daily for the next little bit.

What size tank is he in, does he have tankmates, how long has he been in this setup, what do you have for filtration on the tank, and how often do you do water changes?

 

[DeLgAdO]

Hi all,
For the past two days, my oscar has been breathing really heavy. He's opening his mouth really wide every second as if he were gasping for air. Does anyone know if this is common, or is there is something to do for him. I feel like he doesn't have enough oxygen. Let me know, Thanks.

hold up guys

he didnt say it was gasping at the surface

if the oscar was trying to breath

he would be gasping at the surface

but still aeration is a good idea

 

[rook45]

what the temp? higher temps reduce oxygen

 

[chiquita]

Internal parasites, like hexamita can also cause heavy breathing. Is it eating OK?

 

[SinisterKisses]

They don't have to be gasping at the surface for it to be lack of oxygen. I've had plenty of fish gasping at the bottom, or even just as they're swimming around, when low oxygen levels have been the problem.

 

[johno27]

You can never have too much aeration or filtration IMO more never hurts. I would add more aeration and start feeding him anti parasite food with garlic in it just in case and depending on your tank temp you may want to adjust that I am sure someone here knows what good Oscar keeping temp is, But that person is not me

Good luck I am pretty sure he will be OK