When my old tetra passed, my angelfish stopped eating. For two weeks. We underestimate fish empathy, but I’m convinced some fish form actual bonds with us.
The fish that chose me, Ever bonded with a fish emotionally?
- Thread starter lief300
- Start date
I think it's not smart to project human emotions to a fish. You're bound to be let down.
After all, most fish will eat their own babies. Kill or injure tankmates who infringe of their territory or knock a weaker tankmate off an algae wafer.
It's obvious that most fish recognize situations such as feeding time and might even become accustomed to a certain fishkeeper who feeds them. Maybe that can be loosely classified as a bond.
Don't become so bonded that you actually name your fish. Doing so is often the kiss of death. Lol.
After all, most fish will eat their own babies. Kill or injure tankmates who infringe of their territory or knock a weaker tankmate off an algae wafer.
It's obvious that most fish recognize situations such as feeding time and might even become accustomed to a certain fishkeeper who feeds them. Maybe that can be loosely classified as a bond.
Don't become so bonded that you actually name your fish. Doing so is often the kiss of death. Lol.
I agreeMy mdoka white lips will for whatever reason, whenever I cup my had in the water, swim right into it and refuse to leave. i dont stick my had in the water during feeding nor have i ever rewarded such behavior.
I'm not trying to start an argument, or even a debate really, but I'm thoroughly convinced that this "bonding" does not happen, not even close. Most fish don't even form bonds with other fish, let alone with people.
Many of them exhibit learned behaviours. They learn that the big two-legged thing outside the glass is associated with the appearance of food. They learn that it does not represent a danger to them. They learn what to expect from other fish in the tank, in terms of aggression, etc. They learn the physical boundaries and the make-up of their environment, where to hide, where to sleep, etc. They learn to eat items that would not be part of their natural diet in nature.
But...empathy? Sorry, don't see it, don't believe it. In fact, by the strict definition of the term...I don't think that very many people can empathize with their fish, based upon how grievously they often misinterpret what they are seeing.
As
A201
stated above, trying to anthropomorphize the behaviour of fish is futile. I will now don my Nomex suit and move on...
Many of them exhibit learned behaviours. They learn that the big two-legged thing outside the glass is associated with the appearance of food. They learn that it does not represent a danger to them. They learn what to expect from other fish in the tank, in terms of aggression, etc. They learn the physical boundaries and the make-up of their environment, where to hide, where to sleep, etc. They learn to eat items that would not be part of their natural diet in nature.
But...empathy? Sorry, don't see it, don't believe it. In fact, by the strict definition of the term...I don't think that very many people can empathize with their fish, based upon how grievously they often misinterpret what they are seeing.
As
A201
stated above, trying to anthropomorphize the behaviour of fish is futile. I will now don my Nomex suit and move on...
Had a dwarf gourami that had a special bond with me. The gourami would spit water on me for attention lol
I mean...I strongly disagree with the statement about never naming fish. Most of the fish I keep have life expectancies of a decade or more - seems really weird to me that you WOULDN'T name them. I don't bother with fish that are basically identical that you'd never tell apart (ie: I'm not naming every platy in a tank, etc), but the ones that are easily identified individuals, you bet. All my goldfish have names; my bettas, midas, FH, and convicts have names. I haven't named my angelfish though, nor the Bolivian rams.
I get attached to them. 100%.
But BONDED...no. I've had midas in the past for 15 years and when they pass, I'm super bummed about it, but I don't cry and get worked up like I do when one of my dogs or cats passes.
They absolutely recognize me vs anyone else, as no one else has ever fed them. So they know who I am from the general populous. I had one midas many years ago that would rush up to the front and beg for food if I approached - of course - but if my husband went up to the tank he would get splashed, every time. Thought that was hilarious - "eff you, you're not the food human".
I get attached to them. 100%.
But BONDED...no. I've had midas in the past for 15 years and when they pass, I'm super bummed about it, but I don't cry and get worked up like I do when one of my dogs or cats passes.
They absolutely recognize me vs anyone else, as no one else has ever fed them. So they know who I am from the general populous. I had one midas many years ago that would rush up to the front and beg for food if I approached - of course - but if my husband went up to the tank he would get splashed, every time. Thought that was hilarious - "eff you, you're not the food human".
While fish might not experience emotions in the same way humans do, research suggests they do have feelings and can exhibit behaviors that may resemble emotions. Specifically, studies indicate that fish can detect fear in other fish and become fearful themselves. Additionally, fish can recognize individual humans and may even show preferences for
Sinister-Kisses
says the food human, Lol. But, we can’t use our definition of emotions and translate to a how a fish responds or feels.
Sinister-Kisses
says the food human, Lol. But, we can’t use our definition of emotions and translate to a how a fish responds or feels.
As for advising not to name fish, it was just my poor attempt at humor.
On the other hand, be it coincidental, the few times I have ever named a wet pet death soon followed.
Lol that seems like a YOU problem 
I do let them get past QT stage before naming though lol.
I do let them get past QT stage before naming though lol.