Angelfish "Drinking Air"???

[Ramirez]

I have two Angelfish in a 55 gallon heavily planted tank and for the last 2-3 months they both go to the top and look like they are gulping air. They are not breathing fast, it just looks like they are drinking water from the air/water interface at the top of the aquarium. They are fine at other levels in the aquarium, but about once every hour or two go to the top and do the previously described.

I do not think it is due to water conditions (high ammonia, nitrite, etc.) because they have been doing it for months and have not died, in fact they are growing quite well. In addition, none of the other fish in the tank are breathing fast or gulping air at the top. They are at all depths and doing quite well.

Anyone else seen this or know what/why they are doing this?

The pH is 7.0, with 5 ppm nitrate (only because I supplement it). My kH is 3, so the CO2 is not very high. They tank has been steady for over a year.

 

[Karnaaj]

Possibly looking for food?

 

[SnakeIce]

yes they may be doing such only when you are in the room in hopes of gettting fed. you may find they don't do it if you can watch them without being seen by them for a while.

the only question I have other than the comment already made is if they are actually taking air in and playing with it or are they taking water from close to the surface like they are out of breath?

if it is the first possibility they are just playing... no benefit is really gained by taking air into their mouths so its just for play.

If you can't rule out begging or play I would start looking at the temperature, how much water flow there is, check your filter to make sure its running right...

 

[redbucket]

my angel does this every time i come near the tank... he wants food.

 

[Benson]

My angels do that looking and begging for food.

 

[Dangerdoll]

what other fish are in the tank?

 

[Ramirez]

Well, they both will do it even when I watch the tank from afar. Actually, if I come close, I don't think I have ever seen them do it. They just swim frantically back and forth 1-2 inches deep begging for food.

I think they are actually taking in air because sometimes after they do this, bubbles will come from their mouth.

I've got 3 dwarf rainbows, 2 bosemani rainbows, 3 threadfin rainbows, 2 kribensis, and 3 yo-yo loaches. Also, 2 female german rams.

 

[valerie]

My angel does this too, not sure why though. I dont' think she is lbegging for food though as she does it when i'm not near the tank

 

[coolwade]

Mine do this, the older female grabs the air and the little ones attack it all the way to the top. They are also begging for food.

 

[Nautilus]

nope

Fish do not have lungs so they can not breathe air from the surface. If they are drinking he water than you would see the water level decreasing....Hahaha.
I think you may have a problem with low dissolved oxygen levels. Try adding some airation with a air stone or agitate the surface with filter return and see if the behavior stops.