Two Barred Rabbitfish question

nrbelk · 02/05/2014, 12:37 PM

I have had a two barred rabbitfish for about two or three weeks now. I don't have much experience with rabbitfish or foxface fish so I thought I'd ask about it here.

It eats what I assume to be normal, I see it going after stuff on the rocks when there's not fish food in the water. So that seems normal.

But what confuses me is how fast it seems to be breathing. It seems to be breathing faster than my other fish. Is this normal for them? Are they just fast breathers or is it an indication that something's up.

Other fish that seem to be breathing normally are firefish gobies, midas blenny, blue green chromi and an anthias (not sure what type).

I have SPS and LPS coral and they all look fine and normal with good polyp extension.

Tanks is 300 gallon.
0 ammonia, nitrites.
Haven't tested nitrates for a bit
temp 78 - 82

Thanks

syrinx · 02/05/2014, 12:50 PM

They do seem to breathe fast. I do not know if it is the shape of the operculum, or mouth that makes for this effect- or if they do indeed have a more rapid respiration. If he seems happy, and well colored- he is likely fine.

nrbelk · 02/05/2014, 02:21 PM

thanks

julie180 · 02/06/2014, 11:15 AM

You might try to increase surface agitation for more available oxygen.

t4zalews · 02/06/2014, 11:49 AM

rabbitfish are known to freak out form time to time. As long as its swimming normally and eating regularly then there is no issues.

02/05/2014, 12:37 PM	#1
nrbelk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 935	Two Barred Rabbitfish question I have had a two barred rabbitfish for about two or three weeks now. I don't have much experience with rabbitfish or foxface fish so I thought I'd ask about it here. It eats what I assume to be normal, I see it going after stuff on the rocks when there's not fish food in the water. So that seems normal. But what confuses me is how fast it seems to be breathing. It seems to be breathing faster than my other fish. Is this normal for them? Are they just fast breathers or is it an indication that something's up. Other fish that seem to be breathing normally are firefish gobies, midas blenny, blue green chromi and an anthias (not sure what type). I have SPS and LPS coral and they all look fine and normal with good polyp extension. Tanks is 300 gallon. 0 ammonia, nitrites. Haven't tested nitrates for a bit temp 78 - 82 Thanks

02/05/2014, 12:50 PM	#2
syrinx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: champaign Posts: 3,160	They do seem to breathe fast. I do not know if it is the shape of the operculum, or mouth that makes for this effect- or if they do indeed have a more rapid respiration. If he seems happy, and well colored- he is likely fine. __________________ My views are based on 49years as an aquarist, 25 years as a pro reef consultant, 10 years of owning a LFS, and the results of thousands of customers tanks. But I am always learning.

02/06/2014, 11:49 AM	#5
t4zalews 65g Ritteri Tank Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 2,673	rabbitfish are known to freak out form time to time. As long as its swimming normally and eating regularly then there is no issues. __________________ - Taylor - 65g - Radion XR30 G3 Pro x2 - Deltec SCA 1351 - APEX - Tunze - Vortech

02/05/2014, 02:21 PM	#3
nrbelk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 935	thanks

02/06/2014, 11:15 AM	#4
julie180 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raymore, MO Posts: 2,556	You might try to increase surface agitation for more available oxygen.