Longnose hawkfish yawning?

TerrorTurtle · May 23, 2023

I’ve noticed since I got my longnose hawkfish about 4 month ago that he tends to open his mouth like he’s yawning. I tried to get a picture of it for like an hour but of course now he won’t do it. Is this just a thing they do or should I be concerned.

Glenner’sreef · May 23, 2023

TerrorTurtle said:
I’ve noticed since I got my longnose hawkfish about 4 month ago that he tends to open his mouth like he’s yawning. I tried to get a picture of it for like an hour but of course now he won’t do it. Is this just a thing they do or should I be concerned.

Fish don’t sleep, they just rest. So I bet it’s something else. Following.

Stephen Glover · May 23, 2023

My Longnose yawns several times a day. Maybe he is bored of me watching him all day. Unless there are other symptoms this is nothing to worry about.

vetteguy53081 · May 23, 2023

TerrorTurtle said:
I’ve noticed since I got my longnose hawkfish about 4 month ago that he tends to open his mouth like he’s yawning. I tried to get a picture of it for like an hour but of course now he won’t do it. Is this just a thing they do or should I be concerned.

While they tend to do yhis, it can also be a sign of gill flukes.
If its eating normal and breathing normal rate and not rapid, may not be a concern but see how often you are seeing this behavior.

TerrorTurtle · May 24, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
While they tend to do yhis, it can also be a sign of gill flukes.
If its eating normal and breathing normal rate and not rapid, may not be a concern but see how often you are seeing this behavior.

He’s eating great. I’m not seeing any issues with breathing either. He does it randomly throughout the day. I see it maybe about 4 times through the day.

vetteguy53081 · May 24, 2023

TerrorTurtle said:
He’s eating great. I’m not seeing any issues with breathing either. He does it randomly throughout the day. I see it maybe about 4 times through the day.

Assure good water quality which contributes to health and available oxygen, focusing on ammonia and nitrate levels with a Reliable test kit especially if a newer tank. Adding an air stone assures sufficient oxygen is furnished within the system.