The psychology of fish

[Shdwdrgn]

As I've mentioned in other threads, I keep rosy reds both in aquariums, and in my pond. Some of these have been transplanted directly from a tank to the pond (also crayfish, and just today some dojo loaches). What I've noticed is there is a very noticeable difference in their attitudes between aquariums and the pond - mostly that the fish are skittish in the pond even at feeding time when it comes to have someone watch them, while the fish in an aquarium will come straight to the surface and pig out when you go to feed them in a tank.

It occurred to me that there could be a very simple difference that affects their reactions... an aquarium has no shoreline.

Perhaps the fish in an aquarium feel like they are out in the middle of the water, and do not need to be concerned about predators from above, whereas the fish in our ponds know that the shore is nearby no matter where they go.

I don't know what the deal is, but my fish have always spooked easily, even though I'm sure they recognize me as the food-giver. With the new, larger pond (and deeper waters), they don't seem to be quite so bad, but they still swim for cover the moment they realize I'm watching them.

 

[fishin4cars]

One thing that will help calm pond fish is sitting low to the water, the higher you stand above the water and the more you move the more skittish the fish. makes sense, most attacks come from above. In a tank they look directly at you, they see you from head on and the food supplier. yep, you made a really good observation.

 

[addy1]

When I first started feeding the pond fish, they ran. Now they see me the come running, just to the one spot near the bog water fall. That is the only place they are fed. Took maybe 3 feedings before they decided I was fine. But not trying to get them to come to the surface to be touched.

I was trimming the lilies, in around 3 feet of water and they came by rubbing against my legs checking me out lol.

 

[hewhoisatpeace]

The fish I've had for 2 years, even though I recently relocated them temporarily, still eat from my hand. My newer fish, in the big QT, are still very skittish, and like to try to hide. I'm working on it, as I drop grubs and earthworms into the pond (a favorite food, I've found), the 20 & 24" bekko compete with the 24" kujaku for who can get the most.

 

[HARO]

This is a slight deviation on the subject, but I have noticed the same behaviour in my four Red-eared Slider turtles. In the Fall I move them indoors into large aquaria, where they will clamor for attention (and food) and eat from my fingers. As soon as they go back out in the Spring, they instantly turn into very shy, skittish creatures who don't seem to trust me at all. Why????? John

 

[koiguy1969]

Is there a "FISH WHISPERER"?

 

[DrDave]

That is a name my son uses, when we rescue koi, he handles them by hand rather than net and they don't seem to mind.

 

[addy1]

This is a slight deviation on the subject, but I have noticed the same behaviour in my four Red-eared Slider turtles. In the Fall I move them indoors into large aquaria, where they will clamor for attention (and food) and eat from my fingers. As soon as they go back out in the Spring, they instantly turn into very shy, skittish creatures who don't seem to trust me at all. Why????? John

Well maybe with the bigger body of water they are seeing it as a new environment that they need to be more aware of and wary of predators.

 

[j.w]

You must become one w/ your fish and turtles grasshopper :lol:

 

[Shdwdrgn]

I'm sure both the fish and the turtles would be very happy to allow the grasshopper to become one with them!

 

[CometKeith]

Shdwdrgn, My fish actually follow me around as I walk around the pond. It's kinda weird... like a puppy following me but they are fish. I do have a lot of cover and have my pond is covered at least 60% with plants. I wonder if that makes a difference. Another thing is I get a lot of birds taking baths in my pond and the fish actually go right up to them some times and scare them away or swim virtually right next to them. I am talking about 4" -5"goldfish doing that. lol

 

[addy1]

When I groom the lilies, the fish come and nibble on my legs, it tickles. They gather in the deep end when they see me near there as that is the only place I feed them. If I hang over the water fall they nibble on my fingers. Probably could get the eat out of my hand but don't really feel like hanging over the waterfall all the time lol and don't want them used to the one shallow area of the pond.