Why does rain in my pond cause my fish to gasp for air?

Answer by  Valentine62 (2131)

A manmade fishpond is too small to circulate the water, and the rain does not have enough oxygen to sustain the fish. Consider getting an aeration system.

Answer by  eniram (63)

Something is wrong with the oxygen level in your pond. If your pond is shallow, increase the number of plants in your pond and consider adding a simple aeration system.

Answer by  fishrmann (44)

Many pond have stratified layers in the summer. Warm layers of water on top and cold on the bottom. A cold rain shower introduced to this pond can cause these stratified layers to mix. This is physically stressful to some fish and can cause summer die offs in some cases.

Answer by  Baskiee (21)

Commonly fish that is not getting sufficient oxygen to its tissues, suffering from poor water quality, specifically nitrite toxicity. This simple water test for nitrite will confirm or deny its presence. Other reasons are may be hot water, medicaitons, or filter that are used.

Answer by  nairjula (559)

The natural pond water containes enough oxygen absorbed in it. But when it rains the pond is filled with rain water which lacks enough oxygen. Thus fish gasp for air

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

It could be doing something to the oxygen in the water and if so you may need to have the levels in the pond checked before a rain storm. You can also do a net search for more information.