Concerned about Banggai Cardinal

[FishPharm]

Has anyone ever had a fish that's not closing their mouth for any extended period of time? During feeding I noticed my cardinal fish wiith its mouth gaping wide open, where its not closing, even for a brief moment. It has stayed open for the past 15 minutes and counting. He's in his normal swim/floating pattern. Very concerned through?

 

[FishPharm]

Update: Its been several hours and its mouth has closed somewhat. Though still stays open. Doesn't look as if he is having any difficulties with breathing as his pace of taking water in and gills seem normal.......Never seen anything like this behavior before....hope this just some weird episode its having. One additional note, I've had the fish for about 4 years.

 

[Wolverine]

Do you have a picture by any chance? That would be helpful.

Is he alone, or is there another banggai in the tank? When the males are carrying eggs/fry, they often will have their mouth gaping a bit (they also tend to be more secretive at these times).

Dave

 

[snorvich]

Do you, perchance, have two of them? If so, be aware that they carry their eggs in their mouth until they hatch.

 

[FishPharm]

Sorry for not updating this day. Had family obligations to attend to today. However, looking at the display. The fish is fine. So, I apologize for raising this concern. I just never seen this before.....its almost as if it had lockjaw of some kind. Now his mouth is fully closed and still is his normal pattern. His is the only Banghaii I have in the tank beside the other 20 fish or so. The tank's fish population is maxed out, though all are peaceful and good reef citizens to one another. Thanx for all your comments.

 

[Serioussnaps]

HE(MALES CARRY THE EGGS) IS CARRYING EGGS..THEY ARE SPAWING!!!!!!THAT IS FRICKING AWESOME MAN...NICE WORK

or he was gasping for air..any temp swings???or too much evaporation and salinity swing