My fish all stay within about 8 inches of each other

[Squidmotron]

I don't know if this is normal fish psychology or what, but I have 4 fish in my tank -- 2 juvenile percs, a juvenile Yellow Tang, and a male Lyretail Anthias -- and they all stay within a few inches of each other. From sunup to sundown (they don't sleep in the same place, thank God, as I haven't yet had "the talk" with them).

I was not at all surprised when the clownfish went everywhere together. They are from the same clown clan (technical term), after all. But then I was a little surprised when a couple of weeks later I added my Tang, and he decided he was a clownfish. Everywhere the clownfish go, their Yellow Tang buddy is right there with them. Often they bump up against each other or play togther in the strongest jetsreams in the tank.

The Lyretail Anthias, after awhile of being shy, is now right there with them doing the same thing and a functioning part of this diverse posse.

I want to note that they don't always stay in the same location. My elite fish squad moves around the tank. I imagine they are going on adventures... solving mysteries together or taking on the most dastardly marine supervillains using their diverse talents and excellent teamwork.

There is no question here, really, although I'm curious to know how normal this is. This is my first tank, so I don't know.

 

[sandwi54]

that's the first time i've heard that. such an interesting phenomenon. sorry i don't really have an answer, but i do know that those people who have constant aggression between tank mates would wish their fish behave like yours!

 

[willybub]

my fish are the same way, 3 green chromis, copperband, 2 firefish, royal gramma and blue tang always hang out together. i have a sunrise dottyback that is a loner and hang in his own little area all the time and a manderin goby that just cruises around and mind his own business

 

[aleonn]

I think that's really cool how they stick together. How big is your tank? I have a 180 with fish that occupy different territories and water levels. They don't fight, and only come together during feeding time.

 

[rgauvin]

I cannot answer your question, or contribute to the thread, but I wanted to say I found the post hilariously entertaining, thank you

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

My fish do the same thing.

 

[crankbait]

Mine too. I think flow has something to do with it. Mine hang out in the slack

 

[Triton_Z]

Mine too. I think flow has something to do with it. Mine hang out in the slack

My fish will occasionally crowd the high flow lower right corner of my tank and get all cozy and they are not the cozy type fish. It's just odd to see them group up for a bit and then scatter back to roaming.


Fighting tank mysteries and crime... I like your explanation the best however.

 

[LOU A VILLE]

Pics would make this this thread so much better

 

[Daniel Reef]

pics would make this this thread so much better

+1

 

[MrTuskfish]

Anyone who claims to know why fish do stuff like this scares me a little.