I like this opening post. I do agree that you can't compare fish to humans. I do think if more people were to think this way it would be to the betterment for our fish. More space, more enrichment, more stimulating scapes, better maintenance and more consideration in general can't be a bad thing.
Corona Lockdowns and tank size.
- Thread starter Ogertron3000
- Start date
Man, that looks good, I think you are right when you say you are doing well by your fish.
That'sexactly what I meant, especially the enrichment part of it. Somehow making the tank more than just a glass box is a good thing.
Having been on lockdown for 3 weeks continuing till the end of the month I have spent considerable time looking at my tanks. This thought has crossed my mind as I'm new to the hobby/lifestyle.
I will always wonder if I am doing the right thing or if I am causing more harm than good. Regardless it is essential that we all commit to trying our best and letting nature take care of the rest. Something I have to remind my self of daily.
As a lot of posts have mentioned this is a good reminder to be an ethical fish keeper. So long as you are willing to out in the work required that is really all we can do.
I will always wonder if I am doing the right thing or if I am causing more harm than good. Regardless it is essential that we all commit to trying our best and letting nature take care of the rest. Something I have to remind my self of daily.
As a lot of posts have mentioned this is a good reminder to be an ethical fish keeper. So long as you are willing to out in the work required that is really all we can do.
Another point that may be of worth to note would be the case of blind fish. Do they actually enjoy things such as wood, plants, and general objects that are intended to liven up the environment or provide mental stimulation? Or rather do they find these things to be intrusive and problematic to their daily lives? That's another question I've pondered just like the great one that started this thread. There are so many things that perhaps, we as humans should take into consideration when trying to recreate or formulate ecosystems within a glass box.
I try not to anthropomorphize any animals; with fish, it's easy not to do so. Generally speaking, I think of them almost as plants more than animals, i.e. if they are healthy they will attempt to reproduce by spawning, giving birth or flowering. If I lose a fish that I have had for years or decades, I am upset, but it simply isn't anywhere near the level of emotion attached to something like a dog or cat. I find it funny when I hear the term "happy" applied to a fish. Come on, people...it's a cold-blooded animal so completely different from us that it's sometimes hard to tell if they are alive or dead! Fishermen know what I mean; when you catch a fish that is destined for the dinnerplate, killing it humanely is a challenge because the accepted methods of distinguishing "living" from "deceased" almost never work. Destroy the brain...cut off the head...and still feel the crushing guilt that comes with beginning the filleting process only to have the dang gills start pumping, or the body start to thrash.
Don't get me started on the betta owners who "know" that their fish "love" them. Oh, please...
I try to provide healthy conditions regarding water quality and food, and also do my best to provide some level of mental stimulation; cover, plants, dither fish, etc. I simply will not have one of those tanks in which the only source of cover is...other fish. But I'm sure that is more important to me than it is to the fish themselves.
Don't get me started on the betta owners who "know" that their fish "love" them. Oh, please...
I try to provide healthy conditions regarding water quality and food, and also do my best to provide some level of mental stimulation; cover, plants, dither fish, etc. I simply will not have one of those tanks in which the only source of cover is...other fish. But I'm sure that is more important to me than it is to the fish themselves.
I try not to anthropomorphize any animals; with fish, it's easy not to do so. Generally speaking, I think of them almost as plants more than animals, i.e. if they are healthy they will attempt to reproduce by spawning, giving birth or flowering. If I lose a fish that I have had for years or decades, I am upset, but it simply isn't anywhere near the level of emotion attached to something like a dog or cat. I find it funny when I hear the term "happy" applied to a fish. Come on, people...it's a cold-blooded animal so completely different from us that it's sometimes hard to tell if they are alive or dead! Fishermen know what I mean; when you catch a fish that is destined for the dinnerplate, killing it humanely is a challenge because the accepted methods of distinguishing "living" from "deceased" almost never work. Destroy the brain...cut off the head...and still feel the crushing guilt that comes with beginning the filleting process only to have the dang gills start pumping, or the body start to thrash.
Don't get me started on the betta owners who "know" that their fish "love" them. Oh, please...
I try to provide healthy conditions regarding water quality and food, and also do my best to provide some level of mental stimulation; cover, plants, dither fish, etc. I simply will not have one of those tanks in which the only source of cover is...other fish. But I'm sure that is more important to me than it is to the fish themselves.
I see your point, especially the fisherman part of it. Sometimes when you catch a fish they seem indestructible and you can't help think they really wanted to live, not end up in the frying pan.
The betta example is a bit different though, look at the bettas in the little boxes in the shop then put one in a planted filtered tank by themselves or in a harem, the difference in behaviour and colour is incredible. Similar with the difference in behaviour with a large cichlid in a 6 foot as opposed to a 3 footer. I guess we will never know if this is more "interesting" for the fish or we are just providing the environment needed for theim to be able to use their natural behaviour/instincts.i think it's a bit of both really.
If people think their fish love them it's probably going to lead them to looking after them better so that's not a bad thing even though the fish most likely loves the food the owner is dropping in the tank!
