Fish can be excellent pets for most households. However, interaction with them is more subtle than with furry, more common, pets. Is it okay to touch and pet fish and do fish enjoy being petted?
Avoid petting your fish because being touched can be stressful for them. In addition, every time you touch fish, you can inadvertently damage the slime coat and change the bacterial composition on the scales. Other forms of interaction are harmless and less stressful for your fish. For example, fish might watch you draw on the aquarium glass with an erasable marker.
Touching fish is safe for the owner, if you wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling fish. There are some risks for the fish, however.
WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FISH
Fish Do Not Like Being Touched
Fish perceive being touched differently from mammals, and there is no mechanism for fish to enjoy being petted like mammals do.
According to a study that was recently published in Nature Neuroscience, furry animals have receptors in the follicles of their skin that trigger signals to the brain to induce pleasure. For that reason, domestic furry animals enjoy getting neck rubs. Most wild animals also communicate and express emotions through physical contact.
Fish also have sensory receptors on their skin but they have no follicles. They also do not have the same neuronal pathways as mammals. Most fish in the wild, even those that travel in schools, do not touch each other.
The Slime Layer Is Easy to Damage
The slime coat is essential for fish to stay healthy. The slime layer is a barrier composed of glycoproteins that has several functions:
- It shields fish from bacteria, fungi, and other external forces
- It maintains a balance of electrolytes
- Facilitates gas exchage
- It helps the healing process if the fish is wounded
- Prevents injury by allowing the fish to slide past objects in the environment
- Many wild fish release toxins to fight off predators or tackle prey, although we hope that no such toxic pets are helped in household aquariums
Any tear in the slime is similar to a scratch for humans. If a larger piece of the layer accidentally comes off, the damage is comparable to losing a large patch of skin for us.
Even if you are moving your fish between aquariums, it is best to use wet latex or vinyl gloves or a glass with water to scoop up the fish. The mucous coat is so fragile that even handling your pet with bare hands for a quick transfer could damage the layer.
Like any other kind of handling, petting your fish can interfere with the integrity of the mucous layer.
Touching Fish Increases the Risk of Bacterial Imbalance
Fish have microbiota in their bodies which is important for their health. Handling your pet fish more than necessary increases the risk of introducing new bacteria and disturbing the normal bacterial composition of the skin and the immediate environment of your pet fish.
When you need to pick up or touch your fish, wash your hands with non-scented soap before and after picking it up.
Touching Is Stressful for Fish
Being picked up, held, petted, and handled in any way is likely a stressful event for your pet fish. It is just not natural for them and a sudden change from the usual floating in the water.
Some fish could attempt to bite your hand if they feel stressed or threatened. Its biting will not hurt you in any way but could injure the fish because its jaws are very fragile.
Some Fish Might Do Fine With Being Touched But Watch For Any Signs of Stress
Although most fish dislike being touched, some may enjoy playing with the owner. If you touch your fish, do it very lightly. Wash your hands with unscented non-toxic soap before and after touching your fish.
Always observe your fish for any signs of distress, such as hiding or acting restless, when playing with or handling your fish. Even contactless games can be stressful.
HOW TO PLAY WITH FISH WITHOUT TOUCHING IT
Most fish enjoy other forms of interaction.
Contrary to a common misconception, fish have a good memory. Their memory is longer than a few seconds, despite the rumor. Fish recognize owners and get bored if they do not have sufficient stimulation.
There are ways and reasons to play and interact with your non-furry friend, even if you do not touch the fish.
Doodle on the Aquarium
Fish might enjoy watching you draw patterns on the glass of the aquarium.
This activity can provide a new pattern every time. This game could be therapeutic to both the owner and the pet. It is best to use a washable marker to draw on the glass.
Use a Mirror
Some fish respond to seeing their reflection in a mirror.
It could be a fun game to play with your pet fish – use a little mirror for your fish to catch its reflection. Some flare their fins in response, others hide for a few moments before heading back out there because the curiosity is just too strong.
Avoid playing this way more than a couple of times a week since your pet could experience too much stimulation if it sees its reflection too often. It could be stressful for the fish if done too frequently.
Let Your Fish Observe
Keep the aquarium in a place where your fish can see you but out of the high traffic areas and bright light.
Fish like to observe things and your pet might like to watch its surroundings and movement. In addition, seeing you often could help your fish get used to you and be comfortable with your presence.
Teach Your Fish Some Tricks
You can use treats to teach your pet to swim through a hoop, for example. Your fish might be a little apprehensive next to your hand at first but should get used to it after a few times.
Avoid overfeeding your fish if you use treats to reward or play with them.
Use Fun Decorations for the Aquarium
Having a nice set of safe decorations for your aquarium is important for your pet fish to help avoid boredom. Most fish like patterns and mazes, they enjoy swimming through different objects and looking at things.
Decorations should also be functional. Most fish like to hide for rest, so it is important to have hideout items and plants that provide quiet retreat spots.
Related Question:
Can Pet Fish Bite?
Some species of aquarium fish, including Bettas, can bite. The majority of pet fishes, however, do not have the teeth or enough strength to puncture the skin.
It is important to wash your hands before and after handling your fish and to minimize touching fish, unless necessary.
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