Why are my saltwater fish breathing heavily?

Answer by  jonali (62)

One possibility why fish would be breathing heavily could be because there is a lack of sufficient oxygen in the aquarium water. Another cause for heavy breathing in fish could be a build-up of nitrites or nitrates in the water. In high enough amounts, it could be toxic to fish.

Answer by  worker73 (61)

Breathing heavy means that the fish are not getting enough oxygen or they are stressed. Parasites on the gills can cause this, improper aeration can, too. A sudden die off of algae or flatworms or something similiar can also depleat a tank of oxygen. The water change is a good idea.

Answer by  MattK (1713)

Saltwater fish, unlike freshwater fish are prone on occasion to show signs of heavy breathing. There are two main causes for this. The first is the sexual response of the male and female to each others' colors. The other is you have the tank temperture too high; they're dying.

Answer by  Tank (539)

My best guess is that the salinity is too low. Get yourself a hydrometer immediately and some aquarium salt. Raise the salinity slowly to 1.023 - 1.025

Answer by  Alisa (903)

Some fish hold eggs in their mouths and cause them to breath heavily, but the mouth will be closed. If the fish has its mouth open and seems to be having difficulty it is possible it ate some bad food and has a bacterial infection. Clean the tank and boil filters and pieces. Change all food.

Answer by  Anonymous

your ammonia maybe too high

Answer by  bigwig (654)

The level of oxygen in your tank is probably not enough. Since it is all the fish, and not just one, that are having this problem, you should change out some of the water and perhaps add a bubbler.

Answer by  Nolan0682 (0)

i just set up my tank noticed my fish were breathing heavily. I paniked and turned down the temp, that didn't work so I checked salinty, it was 1.018, i've been raising it slowly and seems to be working. Hopefully this is your problem also since its easy fix