Jerking gills

[mary]

HI there, does anyone else notice their Axies jerking their gills repeatedly?
is it some sort of means of getting oxygen or something- when the gills are jerking the underside of the mouth moves too. I hope it doesn't mean they are uncomfortable or deprived in some way? its almost like they are trying to regurgitate. my two do it quite often but i haven't noticed a pattern. I don't have a filter- yet- but have a wee air pump going 12hrs and swap a wee % of dirty water for filtered water daily. Their pH always measures around the neutral, don't have the other tests- too expensive at the mo'.

 

[alex]

when they flick there gills it moves the old unoxygenated water over the gills and brings fresh oxygenated water on the gills. it saves them from have to move around all the time.

 

[joan]

Mary, most will do this even with an air pump. Alex explained the reasons behind it. Axolotls are pretty lazy, and it's just easier to move gills than the whole body.

 

[mary]

Sounds very clever to be- suppose its a bit like us yawning?