Is this normal sailfin pleco breathing?

[eligri]

Hi!
Noticed my Sailfin pleco breathes rather rapidly, and relaxes by hovering an inch above the gravel with his head.

He is still very aggressive towards the other fish and eats plenty, but haven't seen this breathing behaviour previously. Did a 40% WC + gravel vac 2 days ago, so params should be fine. No other fish act odd.

125 gallon tank. Stocked with him, an oscar, 4 pakistani loaches and 6 smaller pleco's + unknown amount of baby pleco's.

Thanks!

Edit: he also is more active than he usually is, I think. Moves around more and hides less.

 

[A201]

As long as your Pleco continues to eat and displays territorial aggression towards tankmates, likely no worries about potential health issues.
As he grows his territorial aggression will likely grow proportionately.