Ornate w/ exposed gills

[Drizzt]

I have a juvenile ornate that is about 4 inches long. Last night I noticed it had those "frilly gills" sticking out of its neck. Could they be sticking out due to low oxygen in the water? Here is a pick of a mudpuppy with the exposed gills so you guys know what I'm talking about it. And I am talking about a bichir, not a mudpuppy. I know the difference.

 

[killerfish]

no its normal all small bichirs have external gills

 

[gavigan1]

I picked up 2 ornates about 3 inches. One of mine has "red frilly giils" exposed also. He has grown a inch ince in a few weeks and is doing very well. He still has the medpuppy gills. Im gald you asked I wondering the same thing.

 

[Drizzt]

Ok great. I figured it was because it is still young.

 

[dbcb314]

they will slowly go away eventually

 

[channarox]

they will lose their ext. gills eventually.
all bichirs have it when young.

 

[buahke]

 

[Drizzt]

Thanks again. I assume that they are able to put them away when they want to? He isn't showing them right now. I finally turned my driftwood so that I can see into the opening. I haven't seen him much since I got him. I'll get some pics up soon.