Do you notice your cory catfish coming up for air often? Are you wondering if they are doing this more than normal? In this article, we’ll find out how often cory catfish come up for air and why they do it more than other fish.
How Often Do Cory Catfish Come Up For Air? Cory catfish have a tougher exterior making it harder for them to breathe. They’ve developed a technique of aerial respiration and use this in your tank 1-45 times per hour. This is normal and it helps them regulate their oxygen.
Why Do Cory Catfish Take Gulps Of Air So Often?
Corydoras or cory catfish use an adaptation known as aerial respiration in the wild where oxygen levels are low under the surface. Their outer skin is thick and makes it harder for them to breathe compared to most fish.
The pools of water located off streams and rivers are where cory catfish have developed this technique because shallow water in these pools hold less oxygen.
Increased temperature also contains less dissolved oxygen under the surface so you will notice cory catfish coming up to the surface to get more air in hotter environments.
How Do Cory Catfish Breathe The Air From The Surface?
Cory catfish use their posterior intestine to make sure the oxygen they pull from the surface is able to pass through their bloodstream. This is a useful method of swallowing air through their mouths and absorbing it through their gut lining.
They can also push out excess air through their vent. Areas with low oxygen proves to be difficult without this ability.
Why Are My Cory Catfish Gasping For Air?
The first thing to notice is how often they are doing this. If it’s less than 45 times per hour, it’s quite normal. Your cory catfish are accustomed to this in the wild where the water level is shallow and oxygen levels are low.
Your tank is a new ecosystem for their species and they could be continuing this practice even if your oxygen levels in the tank are ideal. Here are some possible reasons why cory catfish come up for air often:
- Thick skin and tougher to breathe in the water
- Water temperature is too high
- Tank is not aerated enough
- They are digesting after meals
- They are pre-spawning or pregnant
- They are playing
- They are happy to see you
Is My Water Temperature Too Warm For My Cory Catfish?
The common temperature range for cory catfish is 72°-80°F. This is a large range for sensitive fish who like to show you by acting lethargic or “glass surfing” which is the act of swimming up and down the tank.
Your cory catfish could be uncomfortable at a temperature higher than 76°F. Set your water heater at 75°F or 76°F and see if they come up for air less often.
The dissolved oxygen in warmer water is more scarce. Lowering the temperature slightly may help resolve the issue of excessive air gulping for cory catfish at the surface of your tank.
Do I Need An Air Pump For Cory Catfish?
Your cory catfish do not require an air pump, but if you want to reduce the amount of times they are swimming up to the surface for air, you can get one for a cheap price. Air stones also help make more air bubbles to aerate the tank. You may notice your cory catfish enjoying them as well and playing around near them.
The air pump is in place to add more oxygen. Plants can also help and you can also consider a larger tank as well to reduce cory catfish from coming up for air. Keep in mind that this repeated action is simply their way of breathing. If the action is happening multiple times per minute, then consider the possible oxygen deficiency of your tank.
Is My Cory Catfish Swimming Up To The Surface For Digestion?
You may notice that after your cory catfish eat their meals that are usually intended to sink to the bottom of the tank, they quickly dart up for some air. This type of behavior could be considered quirky or concerning.
Although scientific data doesn’t back up the assertion that swimming up to the surface for air during or after eating is actually aiding their digestion, it has been noticed by many cory catfish keepers.
Once the action is reduced well after feeding time is over, it’s safe to say that there could be a connection with coming up for air and digesting.
Is My Cory Catfish Pregnant?
If you observe your female cory catfish, you may notice them carrying a sac of eggs and getting ready to spawn. Females are generally rounder than males and they could get rounder when pregnant.
The connection to pregnancy and coming up to the surface for air is commonly found in cory catfish. They already have thick skin, making it harder to breathe.
The pregnancy could add to the pressure and the difficulty of aerial respiration increases making it likely that they are coming up for air more often than usual.
Are My Cory Catfish Playing At The Surface?
Cory catfish could be peaceful and tranquil at the bottom of your tank. Sometimes they’re rambunctious and playful. You don’t know what you’re going to get sometimes. This is part of the fun of fish keeping and cory catfish in particular can be unpredictable.
They enjoy partnering up or swimming in larger groups. They could also come up to the surface more often and play there together. They may also be happy to see you.
Cory catfish will notice you entering the room and start coming up to the surface for air just to get closer to you. You can place a camera when you’re not around to see if they’re doing this action just as often when you’re not around.
Conclusion
If you notice you’re cory catfish coming up for air when you’re around, they could be excited that you’ve arrived. Their playful nature may end up being displayed as something that looks like they’re gasping for air when they’re just breathing and enjoying their ability to harness the technique of aerial respiration.
Cory catfish could come up for air up to 45 times an hour without us being concerned. Oxygenating your tank could help reduce this amount if you notice them doing this more often than that.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the natural adaptive ability of cory catfish breathing at the surface of your tank. Until next time, we wish you and your cories the best of luck.
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