Different kinds of fish vary in their oxygen demands. In respiration, a human, in good health, takes about 20 to 25 times a minute, while some fish contrast between 12 to 150 breaths per minute. If the fish is exerting itself, or if the oxygen is low in the water, the inhaling goes faster (like a runner after finishing the mile).
70 - 120 times
The gills close everytime the fish bulps up water into it's mouth, so it is the same amount as breaths.
The frequency with which a fish opens and closes its mouth and operculum can vary significantly depending on the species, activity level, and environmental conditions. On average, a fish might open and close its mouth and operculum about 30 to 60 times per minute when at rest, but this rate can increase during feeding or in response to stress. Some species, especially those that are more active, may exhibit even higher rates.
On a school trip, we did an assignment on this. A clown fish, while stationary opens and closes its mouth 42 times in one minute, while the fish that swam, although not in view was averaged at about 63.
It is located close to the mouth
In most fish species, the number of times the mouth opens and closes is unrelated to the number of times the gill covers move. The two movements serve different functions: the mouth is used for feeding and respiration, while the gill covers are specifically involved in respiration. These movements are controlled by different mechanisms in the fish.
Well, some fish open and close their mouth while swimming.
16 times
It is hypothesized that fish have higher respiration rates in warmer water because metabolic rates are faster in a warmer climate for exotherms. Results show that the respiration rate of fish was greater in the 76 degree Fahrenheit tank (mean=203 breaths per minute) than in the 71 degree Fahrenheit tank (mean=79 breaths per minute) (p=0.04). Another trend observed is that , although not significant, was that smaller fish have a higher respiration rate than larger fish in both temperatures (p=0.19).
The fishes heart is located close behind the fishes mouth.
How many times a fish moves its gills in 1 minute depends on the species of fish and its size. Some species move their gills between 125 and 135 times a minute. Smaller fish move their gills more often than larger ones.
A Flying fish beats its tail between 50 and 60 times a minute