My dawrf gourami's sometimes breathes air

I know about the labyrinth organ. It's a primitive lung like organ, but do they use it even when there is enough oxygen in the water and they can use their gills?

Because my filter keeps the water moving and I let a piece if the hood open. Plus my other fish without the labyrinth organ seem to do fine.


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They do that all the time it's completely normal.

 

Yes, it's completely normal.

 

Yes, it's completely normal.

But how come? They can use their gills so why do they need to breath atmospheric oxygen?


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But how come? They can use their gills so why do they need to breath atmospheric oxygen?


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I guess you could say it's a "habit" from when they were in the wild. Idk why they do it honestly.....But it doesn't really matter.

 

They've evolved that way because they live in stagnant pools and creeks with low oxygen levels. They've evolved so far that their gills don't get them enough oxygen any more so they need to use the labyrinth organ aswell.

 

They've evolved that way because they live in stagnant pools and creeks with low oxygen levels. They've evolved so far that their gills don't get them enough oxygen any more so they need to use the labyrinth organ aswell.

Ok that explains it for me.


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my fish does that too

 

I like watching the little bubbles they let out when they eat. Ever notice that?

 

I think the second reason is because theyre topfeeders, so in nature spending more time at the top means more opportunity for food.

 

I think the second reason is because theyre topfeeders, so in nature spending more time at the top means more opportunity for food.

Mine hang out att all regions. My male gourami is very shy since one of my platies became a bully he hides a lot. The female can usually be found in all the regions from the bottom to the top.

I also let the hood open a bit so that nitrogen can get out and oxygen can get in.


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I like watching the little bubbles they let out when they eat. Ever notice that?

No never seen that. I'll watch it.


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They are a "labrynth fish" similar to a betta. They will come to the top and breathe at the surface from time to time