Ok, here is a strange question. When I walk into my room my mbuna see me and they rush to the surface. I can stick my finger in and pet them, is this bad for them in any way? If it is I will cut it out.
Strange question.
- Thread starter xnochancex
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if youre hands are sterile its okay, but you shouldnt do it all the time. Bacteria and oils on your skin can end up removing their slime layer/ could pollute your tank. No lotions/soaps/dookie on your hands, and its okay...kinda like handling amphibians; just dont do it too much IMO
They rush to the top cause they associate you with food. In my opinion you can pet them as long as you dont do it a lot or too much. Petting them too much will affect there slime coat and probably stress them out. So if you do do it keep it to a minimum and make sure your hands are clean.
A person always thinks fish are kind of dumb but they soon learn to associate certain things with meal time I agree just make sure your hands are clean of anything harmful don't clean them with hand sanatizer. A lot of our fish do the same thing the only ones I can touch are the oscars though but it still makes you feel wanted.
its regular with healthy cichlids, i think this is why i love cichlids, the puppy dog affect they have
they are like water dogs
they are like water dogs
They associate you with food. You coming to the tank is like a dinner bell.
I would not touch the fish due to their slime coat. Honestly, IMO you should keep your hands out of your water as much as possible. Of course you need to stick your hands in the water for normal maintenance, but doing it just to do it sounds like a bad idea.
I would not touch the fish due to their slime coat. Honestly, IMO you should keep your hands out of your water as much as possible. Of course you need to stick your hands in the water for normal maintenance, but doing it just to do it sounds like a bad idea.
IMO and me personally I never touch my fish. The slime coat is the immune system and thats not something I would want to mess with. Its not a practice I would personally pick up. Spreading something is extremely easy, and this is also stressfull for the fish.
