Why are my fish gasping at the surface after cleaning the bowl?

The bowl looks definitively a bit small for the two fishes. To understand exactly what is going on you need to approach this problem radically but logically. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about Nemo. Have you tested water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates? Having difficulty breathing is a common cause for raising to the surface to breath. Gills can be damaged by poor water quality, disease (parasites, bacteria, viruses), toxins and more, so determining a diagnosis will help with a treatment plan. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Correct water quality, provide more oxygen via an airstone. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Kirky and including a photo, although the photo is out of focus. Swimming to the surface and gulping air is typically and indication of gill disease. Gill disease can be caused by poor water quality, bacterial infections, gill parasites, and metabolic disorders. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct problems. Make sure to treat tap water for several hours prior to adding to the tank. If water quality is correct, a veterinary visit for assistance in a diagnostic/treatment plan. A gill clip can be examined under the microscope to determine parasitic or other gill disease. Antibiotics added to the water typically cause more problems than benefit, altering biological filtration. Good luck.

Usually lack of water quality, lack of oxygen, overcrowding and abnormal temperature are all common causes of this behaviour. They could be hungry as well, but usually they come to the surface at certain time or in response to visual stimuli like your presence. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence ( 0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes, no more than 30% at a time, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Check water temp as well. Any of these can drive a fish to the surface. The "flashing" (darting about) can be due to infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites). Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or an "all in one" product to treat multiple infections. Look in the Aquarium section of the local Petco for options. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Thanks for reaching out about your fish and including photos. Water quality needs to be checked (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) and corrected. Often high protein lead to increased surface tension of the water and the bubbles accumulating. This can also damage the skin and fins. Good luck.

Check the temperature and make sure the water is not too hot (heater defective?), check the pH and also the hardness and make sure they are within the parameters needed for your fish. Change 1/3 of the tank's water. Check the filter and make sure it is not plugged up with a lot of food and poop. Rinse the filter in warm water (same temperature as the water in the tank) so you do not kill off the good bacteria which keep the water clean. Check Nitrite(toxic) and nitrate (not toxic) levels. All this should help you ensure the perfect environment for your fish. If you do not have way to oxygenate the water you may want to extend the return pipe of your filter to the surface or above the surface of the water in order to make it integrate oxygen from the air.