Question: Constantly flicking gills

[AxoPhibian]

Hey iv done a quick search for this but iv only seen threads with peoples axolotls flicking occasionally. Anyways all 6 of my axolotls have been constantly flicking their gills like every 3 seconds. Iv tested their water. Nitrates: 0 ammonia: 0 ph: 7.6 any ideas? Iv never seen them doing this in the whole 5 years of keeping my axolotls. Iv seen them do it at this speed but not for a week straight.? Ideas, help?

 

[auntiejude]

Flicking gills is an axie's way of breathing - it helps with the O2/CO2 exchange by moving water over their gills. Some axies do it more than others.

If your nitrate reading is 0 is your tank fully cycled?
And what temperature is your tank at? Warm water has less dissolved O2 and axies may flick more often in warmer water.