Do fish feel lonely?
- Thread starter BlackTip
- Start date
I like to think that all sentient beings have feelings and thoughts of their owns; not necessarily like human.
plantastic
New member
I don't think fish feel lonely, how you might think they do.
However, fish that are alone will behave in a very cautious manner. Generally speaking, the absence of other fish on a reef, is an indication that an unsafe condition is present, ie. Predator...
In captivity though, most fish will eventually be conditioned to being solitary.
If you try adding two of every type of fish that you want, you will have to be extremely strategic. Most fish do not tolerate their own kind, unless there is ALOT of space for them to not have to see each other.
Also, fish are not static. What works for months, is not considered success...what works for years, is.
However, fish that are alone will behave in a very cautious manner. Generally speaking, the absence of other fish on a reef, is an indication that an unsafe condition is present, ie. Predator...
In captivity though, most fish will eventually be conditioned to being solitary.
If you try adding two of every type of fish that you want, you will have to be extremely strategic. Most fish do not tolerate their own kind, unless there is ALOT of space for them to not have to see each other.
Also, fish are not static. What works for months, is not considered success...what works for years, is.
That what I come across frequently in literature. However, every single reef documentary I have watched, I noticed that fish from the same species stay and swim together and look happy. ... I want to keep my future fish happy.
You probably need to look closer at those documentaries, are it's possible the way they are filmed that many species are not being captured. While some species do indeed do better in groups, often pairs are worse than singles (think tangs), some only tolerate another of their species while spawning (many groupers for instance), etc. etc.
Basically no way to make a blanket statement. You need to look at each individual species and their habitats in nature, while also considering some differences in dynamics that occur in captivity in small glass boxes.
gone fishin
New member
Safety in numbers on the vast reef.
Bent
I got nothin'
Beings? yes.
Sentient? I would argue no. But I could be wrong.
I would think most fish are just a bundle of nerves with instincts.
Sounds Fishy
New member
Does this mean the money I spent on psycho therapy for my fish was a waste of money?
gone fishin
New member
No keep sending me the check. :lolspin:
There's a difference between sentient and sapient, qv. A fish doesn't have the circuitry to experience foresight and long-range planning, therefore imagination, long memory and regret. What is, is, and he handles it very well. He learns, he accumulates experience, he hunts, he fears (briefly), but he does not, in the absence of a shark, fear being eaten by a shark. It's very to-the-moment, I suspect, and feeling safety in a school (gee, wow! we're big now!) does not mean he'll pine extravagantly when he leaves it because it's safe now.
I think rather than projecting our emotions onto the fish, while it's humane and human to try to apply empathy, which often guides us to kindness---it's instructive and broadening for US to try to realize that they're their own kind of creature, quite wonderful in their adaptation to a universe fraught with dangers that, with our imagination, would scare us silly.
I think rather than projecting our emotions onto the fish, while it's humane and human to try to apply empathy, which often guides us to kindness---it's instructive and broadening for US to try to realize that they're their own kind of creature, quite wonderful in their adaptation to a universe fraught with dangers that, with our imagination, would scare us silly.
Sounds Fishy
New member
...so I guess the therapy was worth it.
shifty51008
12-5 Chiefs record
https://youtu.be/I0INzbh587o
They can be playful though, and i know some can learn tricks like the puffer
They can be playful though, and i know some can learn tricks like the puffer
They don't have tear ducts, so no they don't cry
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZaMX0Cs5Bc4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
You want characters, try dascyllus damsels. The one-spots buzz so loudly when really, really mad they make you think the glass could break. Little dickenses could probably spook many predators; and they will chase another fish until they're satisfied they've won the argument, but generally won't try to bite as long as the chasee is moving. Their cousins the three-stripes are real resentful of any changes to 'their' rockwork, including new corals, rocks, etc, and will lurk and wait til your hand leaves the tank before picking up the new item and flinging it or butting it off. If you put your hand back in to replace it, he'll head-butt your hand.
Do they have plans of their own, do they have emotions, do they have a sense of restraint and self-protection? yes. Do they attach to another fish? Yes. Do they attach to a place? Yes. Do they get used to neighbors and accord them special privileges that other fish don't get? Yes. Do they take warnings from each other? Yes. That helps communities succeed. They protect their food supplies, which helps communities of prey or food items thrive. They're little ranchers and gardeners, in a way: some big ones are migratory, but most of the ones we keep are little guys who may never, barring some major relocation or problem, leave the area where they were born.
Do they have plans of their own, do they have emotions, do they have a sense of restraint and self-protection? yes. Do they attach to another fish? Yes. Do they attach to a place? Yes. Do they get used to neighbors and accord them special privileges that other fish don't get? Yes. Do they take warnings from each other? Yes. That helps communities succeed. They protect their food supplies, which helps communities of prey or food items thrive. They're little ranchers and gardeners, in a way: some big ones are migratory, but most of the ones we keep are little guys who may never, barring some major relocation or problem, leave the area where they were born.
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