Helpful tips

Why does my fish keep attacking the glass?

Why does my fish keep attacking the glass?

Fish will attack the glass because they see their reflection. Sorry, that is really obvious, I am sure you know that. Therefore, the best way to stop them from attacking the glass is to make sure they don’t see their reflection as much. Think of the tank as a house, and now think of your house.

Why is my cichlid swimming frantically?

Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.

Why is my fish swimming in one spot?

A fish may linger near the surface because he’s trying to breathe more easily. Remember, fish breathe dissolved oxygen—not oxygen that is already combined in the H2O molecule. Naturally, these dissolved oxygen levels tend to be higher near the surface, where interaction between air and water takes place.

How can I tell if my fish are happy?

Your fish are happy and healthy when they:

  1. Swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying at the bottom, floating near the top or hiding behind plants and ornaments.
  2. Eat regularly and swim to the surface quickly at feeding time.

Why do fish swim up and down glass?

Fish exhibit many behaviors that tell us how they are feeling, and glass surfing (also known as pacing) is one of them. This is when fish constantly swim up and down the sides of the aquarium glass. Watching out for signs of stress and taking action to reduce it can go a long way toward keeping happy, healthy fish.

Is it bad for fish to see their reflection?

(Image credit: Todd Anderson/Stanford University.) Looking at themselves in a mirror is enough to scare some fish, a new study finds. Fish looking at a mirror showed increased brain activity in regions linked to fear than fish faced with an actual fish separated by glass, the study showed.

Is it bad for Bettas to see their reflection?

Seeing His Own Reflection Bettas are extremely territorial fish, so if he sees his own reflection he’s going to try and scare it out of his territory. If you think your betta is seeing his own reflection then not only will he be pacing up and down the side of the tank, but he’ll also be flaring.

How can you tell if a fighting fish is happy?

The signs of a happy, healthy, and relaxed betta include:

  1. Strong, vibrant colors.
  2. Fins are held open, but not taut, allowing their fins to billow and fold in the water.
  3. Feeds readily.
  4. Active, smooth swimming movements.

Why do fish swim up and down the glass in an aquarium?

Aquarium fish exhibit many swimming behaviors as clues to how they are feeling, and glass surfing or pacing is one of them; this is when fish constantly swim up and down the side of the aquarium glass. Mostly, fish do this when they are stressed or unhappy with their environment.

Why are my fish pacing around the glass?

Your fish may also feel physically crowded in an overstocked tank, which can result in them pacing the glass. Fish need space to swim, and when a tank is crammed with other fish or decorations it can be stressful for them. Unlike in the wild, there is nowhere for them to go if they don’t like their current location.

What happens when a fish swims on its side?

Normally, an affected fish will either sink to the bottom or float at the top of the tank. Also, it will struggle to maintain a normal body position and will instead swim either on its side, upside down, or even head down.

Why is my aquarium fish breathing in circles?

Rapid breathing, lethargy, and fish gasping at the surface are also signs of ammonia poisoning in aquarium fish. Ammonia is a by-product of rotting food and fish waste in the water column, which can potentially poison and even kill your fish. Therefore, test you water ph, ammonia and nitrites immediately you notice any of the said signs.