Ammonia stress in an aquarium can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of fish and other aquatic life. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate ammonia stress:
- Gasping for air: Fish that are experiencing ammonia stress may appear to be gasping for air near the surface of the water. This is because ammonia can cause damage to the gills, making it harder for fish to breathe.
- Lethargy: Fish that are stressed by ammonia may appear lethargic or inactive, and may not swim as much as they normally do.
- Loss of appetite: Ammonia stress can cause fish to lose their appetite, and they may stop eating altogether.
- Red or inflamed gills: Excess ammonia in the water can cause gill damage, which may manifest as redness or inflammation.
- Erratic swimming: Fish that are stressed by ammonia may exhibit erratic swimming behavior, such as darting back and forth or swimming in circles.
- Clamped fins: Fish that are experiencing ammonia stress may clamp their fins close to their body, rather than holding them out normally.
- Changes in color: Fish that are stressed by ammonia may experience changes in color, such as becoming pale or developing dark patches.
If you suspect that your aquarium is experiencing ammonia stress, it’s important to test the water immediately using an ammonia test kit. High levels of ammonia can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible by performing a partial water change and addressing the underlying cause of the ammonia buildup.
