Just want to know

[Yellow ducky]

How do you differentiate between heavy breathing and normal breathing. And does heavy breathing makes you rays less active?

 

[sikoko]

From my experience heavy breathing usually involves like a panting motion and you will notice a difference. If you're unsure post a video of said ray to see if we can help.

 

[moosemj]

Heavy breathing would be deeper and and quicker. Almost like hyperventilating looking. Sometimes it could an indicator of issues, though it can also mean it was just active swimming around and slows once they lay there for a bit.

 

[Yellow ducky]

Oh. There is no said ray, i just wanted to know,you know, just in case in the future

 

[Yellow ducky]

But, thanks!

 

[Castexi]

For the future, there are a lot of things to look for/at when you're looking for a labored breathing or stressed ray. The spiracles(holes behind the eyes) will become whiter, raw and look worn if the water is bad - the gill area and stomach can also turn pinkish red(not to be confused with the standard pinkish belly some juveniles have). The whole body will lurch up and down with heavy/labored breathing and you'll see them appear to be almost bouncing if it's bad enough.

 

[Canoeist]

I lightly pinched a motoro's disc while gravel vacuuming and he had a little freak out. Buried himself in the gravel and definitely noticed increased breathing for a minute or 2. No damage