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Why do my cory catfish keep swimming to the top?
Matt Clarke explains why Corydoras catfish sometimes take gulps of air from the water surface. Corydoras use a technique known as aerial respiration — an adaptation for life in low oxygen environments.
Why does my catfish stay at the top of the tank?
If oxygen levels are low, fish hang at the surface and gasp, as the surface has the highest oxygen level in the tank because its in contact with the air. If oxygen is to blame and you don’t remedy the situation many common species of fish like tetras will die.
How do you know if a cory catfish is stressed?
You know your cory catfish is stressed if it exhibits any of the following signs of stress:
- Frantic swimming.
- Odd swimming patterns, for example, swimming upside down.
- Lethargy.
- Refusal to eat.
- Gasping at the surface.
- Pale or whitish color.
- White spots on the body.
- Discolored gills.
Why is my catfish gulping air?
The reason they are at the surface trying to breathe is due to a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. The low levels of oxygen are mainly due to a lack of aeration or poor water quality, which can then cause the fish to stress.
Is 2 cory catfish enough?
Cory Catfish School Together: Cory Catfish are very social creatures, especially with others of their kind. While Cory Cats can survive alone, they seem much happier in a group of two or more. Two Cory Cats of the same type will often stay close to one another as they move throughout the tank to feed.
Is 2 Cory catfish enough?
Why are my fish breathing at the top of the tank?
Lack of oxygen in the water will cause your fish to swim to the surface to breathe; the concentration of dissolved oxygen is highest here. As soon as you notice that most of the fish are gasping for air near the surface, act immediately because this is a clear sign of distress.
Can Cory cats tolerate salt in a tank?
Cory cats can not tolerate salt. A tank that has just been running 2 weeks probably has not cycled yet. When you cycle your tank, good bacteria grows that will eat up your ammonis and turn it into nitrites. Another good bacteria will eat these and turn them into nitrates.
Why is my Corydoras dying?
Your tank is quite possible overstocked, and cories generally enjoy at least a 10 gallon tank. 5 hours without supplemental oxygen is probably the culprit. You float to equalize temperature, and that’s it. However in such a small body of water, a delicate fish like a Cory will die if left in too long – toxins accumulate.
How long can a Cory live without oxygen?
5 hours without supplemental oxygen is probably the culprit. You float to equalize temperature, and that’s it. However in such a small body of water, a delicate fish like a Cory will die if left in too long – toxins accumulate. Then the 2 week tank – it was a bit early to go to full stocking.