Important aquarium checks

Fish Gasping at the Surface – What to Check

Check oxygen, equipment, temperature, ammonia, nitrite and recent aquarium changes when fish are gasping or breathing quickly.

What to check first

  • Increase aeration and surface agitation immediately.
  • Confirm the pump and filter are running.
  • Test ammonia and nitrite.
  • Check temperature.
  • If this followed a water change, confirm replacement water was conditioned.

What you can do now

  • Increase surface movement and aeration.
  • Confirm the filter and pump are operating normally.
  • Test ammonia and nitrite before choosing medication.
  • Check temperature and recent water changes.

What may be contributing

  • Low dissolved oxygen
  • Ammonia or nitrite
  • High temperature
  • Gill irritation
  • A recent water-quality change

Questions that help narrow the problem

Are several fish affected?

One fish · Several fish · Most or all fish

Are they staying near the water surface?

Yes · No

Did this begin after anything in particular?

Water change · Adding medication · Filter or pump stopped · Adding fish · Nothing obvious

Do you have ammonia and nitrite results?

Yes · No

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