New Geophagus Winemilleri fry breathing fast

[Rohaus]

I received some new fish today Geophagus winemilleri from Jeff Rapps today (awesome seller!). They are between an inch to 2 inches in size, 13 of them. They have acclimated quite well including eating some and swimming all over the tank. One of my observations, as I have been watching them frequently throughout the day, is that they are all breathing super fast. However, they are not lethargic nor are they acting funny... just swimming around and schooling together but breathing fast. Could be the fact that they are swimming around non stop which could be the reason for the fast breathing too.

I checked all my water parameters and everything is good in terms of zero ammonia, zero nitrites... least my API test kit isn't registering anything for those.

Based on their behavior, I don't think anything is wrong but was just curious. I attribute their fast breathing to being in transit over night air and being in a new fish tank.

Tank is cycled etc.

It's been a while since I had little guys like this so I can't remember if fast breathing is normal for cichlid fry of 1 inch to 2 inches.

Appreciate any thoughts on the matter,

 

[Rohaus]

I think I just found the answer to my question. In this video you can see the fry are breathing really fast... this is exactly what mine are doing and are behaving in the same manner in terms of swimming around and nibbling at stuff.

 

[CC_MTL]

Hi there, I know this is a really old post but I see you are still active. Can I ask if your little guys grow well? Did they start breathing at a more normal pace? I ask because like you before, I have 6 small (1.25" 10 1.5" I'd say) geos, and my tank is established, clean, aerated - and they are all breathing very fast. I only find aeration/water quality/bacterial infections as a possible cause from googling. I've never had cichlids this young before. I think about my kids though - babies and young ones heart rate is like double an adults. Maybe this is normal for fry? Thanks for any feedback!