[Clough]

Hi, All!

Do you think that small, pet fish have a personality? Or, is it all just automatic action and reaction based upon the type of fish they are?

I'm asking about those that would be small enough to put into a common, household fish tank. Probably no fish over a foot in length.

Thanks!

[shazamataz]

I think they do.

A few years ago I had a Molly (who I named Molly, sad I know) and I used to cup my hand under the water in her tank and she would swim right into it and rest there.
She was a very friendly fish.

I have had other fish that are so skittish they hide all the time, the only way we knew they were still alive was to move the ornaments in the tank every few days and find them.

At the moment I have a Siamese Fighting Fish, he used to be very skittish and would hide if you walked anywhere near the tank, these days he is very social and eats food right out of your hand.

[J_9]

Clough, you realize it won't be long before excon asks you to share whatever drugs you are using! :p:p

[Clough]

I think they do.

A few years ago I had a Molly (who I named Molly, sad I know) and I used to cup my hand under the water in her tank and she would swim right into it and rest there.
She was a very friendly fish.

I have had other fish that are so skittish they hide all the time, the only way we knew they were still alive was to move the ornaments in the tank every few days and find them.

At the moment I have a Siamese Fighting Fish, he used to be very skittish and would hide if you walked anywhere near the tank, these days he is very social and eats food right out of your hand.

Those are cute and the thing about moving the ornaments is hilarious, shazamataz! :p My daughter got a big "kick" out of that when I read it to her! :)

Thanks!

[Clough]

Clough, you realize it won't be long before excon asks you to share whatever drugs you are using! :p:p

Probably so! I like to give people a reason to ask! :D

[Emily94]

I think my bettas do, my guppys and Molly not so much. I have 3 bettas, one attacks me while cleaning his tank, one literally swims in my hand, and I swear the other one looks at me like I'm nuts if I think I can clean his tank without him in it ( he likes to be in it or he flares and gets mad)

[Clough]

Hi, Emily94!

Are all of those types of fish that you have living together in the same tank?

Thanks!

[Emily94]

My two younger bettas which are about 2 years old live by themselves but my guppys, mollys and eldest betta all live together in a 30 gallon aquarium.

[Clough]

So, even the Betta fish can live with other fish in the same tank? I thoght they were the kind of fish that needed to live alone?

[Emily94]

Usually they like to be alone, but he seemed sad in his little tank so I put him in the large tank and crossed my fingers, he swims so much more now! I think he's pretty happy...

[Clough]

Do you think that a pet fish swimming more is potentially a sign of that fish being happy, Emily94?

[Emily94]

Before he just sat in the corner and only moved for food. He know swims around the whole tank and doesn't even bother the other fish. I think he seems happier.

[Clough]

I think that you're most likely correct about him being happier, Emily94! :)