apistogramma bitaeniata keeps moving mouth

[Jimaco]

I have had my apistos for two months. one male and female that were paired but not breeding. about two days ago they stared constantly moving their mouths and seemed to be hiding away they still art eating but definitely not as much as usual. I did water changes checked the fliters and tested the water all are fine. can someone let me know why this would be happening? Are the fish sick? or is it something to do with breeding?

 

[MacZ]

First of all: A. bitaeniata, just as most species of Apistogramma do not really pair up. The majority of species is polygamous with the males spawning with any female in their territory that's ready to breed.

What kind of mouth movement are you talking about? Heavy breathing? Chewing? I guess without a video and/or pictures of the fish and the tank we won't be able to help you. Additionally please copy/paste and fill out the following template:

Template for disease/parasite/death cases

This template contains the most important questions to be answered when dealing with sick or dead fish to find causes and advise on treatments. Please copy and paste into a new thread and answer the questions as precise as possible. Water parameters should be given in numbers. "Fine" or "good"...

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