Do think it is cruel to have fish chase a laser pointer?

[Wharf]

So, I have a cat and was playing with her a while back with a laser pointer. Directing the laser pointer across the wall, it happened to go across the fish tank. I had predatory fish at the time, and to my surprise, the entire inhabitants of the tank zeroed in and chased the laser. In this new discovery, I from time to time...for maybe 5-10 seconds, do this while I am playing with my cat. As long as no fish are injured in the process...Do you think this is cruel? I mean, I noticed my timid fish become ravenous when they see the mesmerizing red dot on the back ground.

As silly as this might seem....I am curious to see what the community thinks of this.

 

[Jexnell]

I will admit I am guilty of this guilty pleasure as well.

I don't see any harm. If anything just enriching thier lives by satisfying thier hunting instincts...??....

Now I ain't no scientists and can't say the laser bouncing around in thier tank is good or bad. But I have not seen any effects on my fish.

 

[Chefken]

Dont point into their eyes!! i used to do this but also worried about running fish into driftwood or rocks in the dark!

 

[Seedy J]

It seems harmless enough, but I know a guy who volunteers at a dog rescue. He says sometimes they get dogs who are permanently traumatized from playing with laser pointers. They're neurotic and always seem like they're chasing the dot even when there isn't one to chase. Maybe it's something about how they can never catch it. No idea if it could have the same effect on fish though.

 

[CarpCharacin]

Just don't point it in their eyes.

 

[Hendre]

I don't see why not. Mind sharing which fish? Perhaps just don't do it too much!

Also videos would be cool if there's enough light.

 

[Seedy J]

Here's one with African cichlids, laser action starts around 4:00.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I don't think it's any more cruel than having dogs, cats, birds, lizards, children or drunk teenagers next door chase them.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

As long as you aren't shining it in their eyes, or running them into the side of the tank, I don't see this being a cruel thing. As someone else said, it helps satisfy nature behaviors ie hunting.

 

[BichirKing]

they get dogs who are permanently traumatized from playing with laser pointers. They're neurotic and always seem like they're chasing the dot even when there isn't one to chase. Maybe it's something about how they can never catch it.

I've done this with 3 of my own dogs( almost every night) and the neighbors 4 dogs and a few other dogs owned by friends and don't see this reaction. personally think this is a copout for a dog with other behavior issues.