Petting characins

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BuffaloPolypteridae

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 5, 2013
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Buffalo
Anyone else like to pet their fish? Ever since my uncle had a catfish that enjoyed being pet, I would try to give my own larger fish (red wolf, ornate bichir) a finger pet, my red wolf seems to enjoy it, only when I'm alone in the room though. I want to post a video because its funny but I have to figure out how to film that with my phone (no camcorder) by myself, because he's more skittish with other people in the room.

He flutters like they do when your about to feed them, almost reminds me of a puffer that way, so I know he's not just frozen in terror haha. My ornate on the other had is usually on the bottom of the tank and I don't like to put my whole arm in haha, my red is usually on the top with a bit of his back showing out of the water when I pet him. I looked it up to see if anyone else pet their wolf fish and found a video of a dude petting a ten inch aimara. Guys got some courage for that

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I enjoy hand feeding, but there is no way I would pet Chompers, my mala wolf. He's just not very cuddly. And I won't be petting MY catfish any time soon either.... but I have a very good reason for that.

Cool that yours doesn't mind though!
 
My Armatus jumps for Mackerel a few inches. Cant pet him, he is so bold I am nervous he is gonna stab me with a fang one day! I pet my BGK when I feed her earthworms.
 
I have an 18in pacu that rubs my hand while I'm cleaning the tank, but it makes me kinda nervous after she tried nibbling the skin on my elbow a few years ago lol
 
I have an 18in pacu that rubs my hand while I'm cleaning the tank, but it makes me kinda nervous after she tried nibbling the skin on my elbow a few years ago lol

Especially knowing about that episode of River monsters w/ the "ball cutter" lol!

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Characins are not the cute and cuddly type, especially not the large toothed ones. I have never attempted to pet any of mine.

You would be surprised, I saw quite a few people petting characins on YouTube, and quite a few on here say they pet toothy guys (like the Dorado owner)

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