Why do Koi and Goldfish Gasp for Air at the Pond Surface?
Koi and goldfish breathe by extracting oxygen from that dissolved in pond water. They gasp for air when the pond oxygen in water levels are low.
The gills of the koi or goldfish perform this breathing function.
Oxygen is dissolved in pond water and has higher concentrations at lower temperatures so gasping by koi or goldfish is more likely on warm summer windless days when transfer of oxygen from the atmosphere to the pond water is reduced.
On hot days when water temperatures rise the fish and other creatures in the pond also become more active and their oxygen requirements increase adding to the lower dissolved oxygen problem. Biofilter bacteria also consume more oxygen at elevated temperatures.
Gasping for air is stressful to koi and goldfish and is a sign that the pond system is out of balance. Adding oxygen using a water fountain, venturi or waterfall or air stone is good for any pond.
Koi or goldfish may gasp for air when nitrite levels are too high which means the biofilter is not performing as well as it should or that overfeeding has taken place.
Medication under Low Oxygen Levels Should be Avoided.
Since adding chemicals to water can have a negative effect upon dissolved oxygen pondkeepers should be very wary of adding anything to a pond under stressful conditions as are exemplified by fish gasping at the surface.
It is normally advised when medicating any pond to increase aeration levels.
You cannot over-aerate a pond. The pond's occupants as well as the biofilter will respond better to adding aeration.
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