How Fast Do Plecs Breathe?

[mezrie]

Just wondered how fast your plecs breathe as Trebor seems to have quite fast breathing but he has had this for so long i'm thinking it may be normal. ( wishful thinking)

xxx

 

[nmonks]

Interesting question. Plecs generally (and the wood-eating Panaque spp. especially) have a lower-than-average metabolism for a fish of their size. If your plec is obviously breathing abnormally fast (i.e., faster than the other fishes in the aquarium) it may be stressed or having problems with the water quality. Extremes of pH can cause fish to respire heavily, as can high levels of nitrite and ammonium. Certain parasites irritating the gills may have the same effect, but I'm less sure about that. Either way, I'd check the pH and nitrites, and then I'd have a quick look around the tank for any signs of whitespot or other common disease. Finally, check the tank isn't overstocked: too little oxygen in the water will cause fish to ventilate their gills more rapidly. Plecs are quite large and need appropriately large aquaria, possibly with extra aeration (this is especially true with the Rio Xingu L-number plecs that like warm water plus extra oxygen, a difficult combination).

Cheers, Neale

Just wondered how fast your plecs breathe as Trebor seems to have quite fast breathing but he has had this for so long i'm thinking it may be normal. ( wishful thinking)