19/03/2019
Why does my goldfish keep swallowing air from the top of the water?
Several things cause this type of behavior.
Lack of food
Edible surface scum
Low oxygen level
Goldfish will always beg for food, but if the fish is doing this constantly, even when it isn't feeding time, then it isn't lack of food.
If a container containing Goldfish has no form of aeration or filter, a bubbles can form on the water surface. This bubbles is often a form of algae, and being plant life, edible for Goldfish.
If the water is in poor condition, the oxygen level is usually low because bacteria are competing for the oxygen. Check ammonia, nitrate and pH levels. Ammonia also reduces the blood's ability to absorb oxygen and damages gills.
If you are not running a filter, make an immediate, large water change using a water anti chlorine. Chlorine also damages the gills.
If you make a large water change and the fish stops gasping at the surface, this may only be temporary because of the increased oxygen supply. If it resumes this behavior after a day or two.
