When you’re looking at your aquarium, you might start thinking what the fish feel and if they feel happy or stressed. The fish swim around all day in a beautiful tank and get fed and cared by you. Everything seems to be perfect.
However, have you ever wondered that fish can get stressed too? The answer is yes, fish can get stressed just like us, humans. Though it sounds odd, but it is the fact. Then, another question appears, how to tell that your fish is getting stressed. Also read reasons why your fish get stressed and how to overcome it.
Stress for fish is a bit different with humans, but it is similar as a physiological response. Stress is any condition that causes both physical and mental discomfort and as a result it triggers physiological responses.
When fish are stressed, their heart rate, blood pressure and respiration are increased. If stress in fish is left untreated, it may lead to death. So, it is important for you as a fish parent to be aware of the causes and symptoms of stressed fish. Â
Stress in fish can be caused by many factors. Most of the situations related to the habitat change or disturbance in routine and behavior are possible to create stress in fish.
Signs that Your Fish Pet is Stressed
This is the most important part. You will never know that your fish are stressed unless you observe and notice any symptoms. That’s why it is very important for you to be knowledgeable of the symptoms of stressed fish. Here they are:
- Loss of appetite – a stressed fish will not eat.
- Gasping at the surface – this may indicate the poor condition of the water which is lack of oxygen. The fish gasping his mouth at the surface indicates that he is stressed. Also spend time reading reasons why your fish is floating in fish tank.
- Rapid and strange swimming – when the fish are stressed, they tend to show it by swimming in an odd pattern. If your fish appear to swim frantically without going anywhere, even crash at the bottom of the tank, then they might get stressed. Some other strange swimming patterns are rubbing themselves on gravel or rocks and locking their fins at his side. Once you notice any of these swimming patterns, contact your vet immediately.
- Presence of other diseases – stress can trigger other diseases to appear. An example of a disease caused by stress is ich. Ich is characterized by the presence of white spots on the fish body. If you observe any other visible ailments or sores on your fish body, then contact your vet immediately for the possible treatment. Other possible diseases caused by stress are bulging eyes, rotting fins and bloated stomach. Be aware of all the other common diseases a fish can have.
- Change in color
- Hiding
- Lethargy
- Rapid gill movement
Tips on how to prevent your fish from stress
As a fish parent, you will surely expect this condition never happens anymore in the future. Here are some tips for you to prevent your fish from stress:
- Keep your fish healthy – healthy fish will be happy. You can keep them healthy by feeding them the nutritious food that they need. But, make sure not overfeed them as it may affect the water quality that is also another cause of stress in fish. Follow these tips on how to keep your fish healthy.
- Maintain the good quality of the water – one of the causes of stress in fish is the bad or poor quality of water. Ensure the good quality of water by checking the water regularly by using pH monitors and test kits. Also regularly change the water to maintain its hygiene. Understand some of water problems in the aquarium just like the reasons why my aquarium has foamy water.
- Do not put too many fish inside an aquarium – too many fish in an aquarium can possibly create a fight. Some fish may not get along well with the others. So, consider the number of fish in a tank. Make sure it’s not overcrowded.