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The Complete Aquarism Glossary

Decode the jargon. Everything you need to know about fish keeping, from "Ammonia Spikes" to "Zebra Danios".

All Terms Anatomy Aquarium Problems Equipment & Hardware Filtration & Water Flow
Physiology
Tank Setup Water Parameters

G

Gasping at Surface
Physiology
Fish gasping at the surface is a distress sign where they breathe at the water’s surface, usually caused by low oxygen, poor water quality, or toxins.
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O

Osmoregulation
Physiology
Osmoregulation is the process by which fish regulate water and salt balance in their bodies to maintain stable internal conditions.
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S

Surface Breathing
Physiology
Surface breathing is when fish breathe at the water’s surface due to low oxygen stress or as a normal adaptation in some species.
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