Surfacing For Air

[Fly258]

Several of my fish occasionally dart to the surface for a mouthfull of air then dive back down again. I'm pretty sure its not because of lack of oxygen in the water. The tank is only half stocked, there is a spray bar running 24hrs on one filter and the other filter outlet disturbs the surface plenty and the tank is quite heavily planted.
The only fish that seem to do it are the bronze corys, tiger barbs and black widows.
Can anyone explain please?
Regards
Jim

 

[dixaisy930]

My cories do the same thing, and I think it's a way of playing for them. Just all of the sudden it's like the get a wild hair and dart for the surface. I've had my cories for over a year and haven't lost one yet.

 

[gmcdonald]

This could be nothing to worry about if they are behaving normally other than this. However, if they are lethargic around the tank, you may have high nitrate levels - I'd recommend getting your water tested at your fish shop just to be sure.

 

[Fly258]

The fish are all healthy, params....
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10 ppm
pH 7.5

 

[MAM]

what kinds of fish are doing this behavior?

 

[Deano]

The only fish that i know that come to the surface for air are the labrynth fishes (ones with the labrynth organ) such as fighting fish which get their oxygen from the air rather than from the water.

 

[aquamanis]

Hi, Corydoras dart to the surface to force a bubble of air into thier stomach where they absorb it. Its normal and means they are healthy. Tiger barbs do it sometimes too.

 

[lizard]

Hi, Corydoras dart to the surface to force a bubble of air into thier stomach where they absorb it. Its normal and means they are healthy. Tiger barbs do it sometimes too.

Cool! I did not know that.

My Plec will sometimes dart to the surface for some air.

 

[Inchworm]

Corys, being bottom feeders, have adapted to their often murky environment by being able to get additional oxygen this way. They do not have a labrynth like gouramis and bettas do, but they can absorb some air.

It is entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about--just another one of nature's wonders.

 

[Fly258]

Thanks for the info Aquamanis and Inchworm, I was pretty sure the fish were OK, I just had never anyone mention this behaviour before.
Jim

 

[Lateral Line]

Yeah, I'm with the others here. That is not unusual behaviour if it is just occasional. If a lot of them start doing it all the time - that's different.